Fattening on pasture of beef calves differing in muscle thickness, frame size and apparent Brahman genotype subjected to implant and supplementation regimes

Growth data of two separate groups of 52 (group I) and 85 (group II) grazing cattle were analyzed using least squares analyses of variance-covariance for average daily gain (ADG), body weight:height ratio (WHR) and final live weight (FLW) as affected by muscle thickness (thick, intermediate, or thin), frame size (large, medium, or small) and apparent Brahman genotype (50, 75 or 100% Brahman), supplementation on pasture (supplemented vs control groups) and/or implant regime in group II (1XRevalor®-2XRalgro® vs 2X Ralgro®-2X Ralgro®) and their respective interactions. Muscle thickness did not affect growth traits (P>.05). In group I medium-sized calves advantaged 16.2 kg in FLW to their smallsized counterparts. Supplementation treatment affected favorably ADG, WHR and FLW whereas the apparent Brahman genotype did not show significant effect on growth performance. The muscle thickness x supplementation interaction showed that within the supplemented group, calves with intermediate musculature had higher (0.17 kg/cm more)WHR than those with thin musculature (P<.05). In group II, the large-framed cattle had higher height (>3.5 cm) and heavier FLW (>25.4 kg) than medium- and small-framed cattle; the supplemented cattle had superior (P<.01) stature and the 100% Brahman with 3.6 cm were lighter in FLW (464 kg). Implant regime had no effect on growth traits (P>.05). The frame size x supplementation interaction affected (P>.05) FLW and WHR (within the supplemented group large-framed >mediumframed>small-framed cattle). Frame size allowed for anticipating the future growth performance of grazing calves and the biological response could be improved by the supplementation treatment

Preliminary observations on carcass traits and meat yield of five types of Brahman-influenced grass-fed bulls

Benefiting from interventions of the savanna ecosystem, breeders in Los Llanos of Apure State (Venezuela) are exploring the opportunity to improve cattle genetics by implementing crossbreeding programs.  Fifty yearling bulls of five types of Brahman influence [ST-Brahman (n = 10), F1 Angus x Brahman (F1-Angus; n = 10), F1 Chianina x Brahman (F1-Chianina; n = 10), F1 Romosinuano x Brahman (F1-Romosinuano; n = 10), and F1 Simmental x Brahman (F1-Simmental; n = 10)] were selected to be compared in carcass performance (linear measurements, quality and quantity indicators, Venezuelan and U.S. grades, and cutability) at a desirable conformation endpoint with a suitable market weight of 480 kg.  Shorter ST-Brahman carcasses exhibited the most abundant finish, significantly different from the longer F1-Simmental and F1-Romosinuano counterparts.  All carcasses fell into the A youngest maturity and were eligible for the USDA "Bullock “class designation; 62% reached the top Venezuelan quality grade, 96% graded US Standard and 64% reached the US yield grade 1, indicating superior cutability. Significant differences in yield of individual cuts (ribeye + strip loin, and cuts from the round) were detected between F1-Romosinuano and St-Brahman, F1-Angus and F1-Chianina counterparts.  F1-Chianina bulls had slight but significant advantages in yield of high-valued boneless cuts as compared to those of F1-Romosinuano and F1-Simmental counterparts. Conversely, F1-Romosinuano outperformed F1-Chianina in 1.73 percentage points of medium-valued boneless cuts (P < 0.05).  Under the sample selection criteria and harvest endpoint, slight changes in carcass performance can be expected from crossbreeding.Con intervenciones del ecosistema sabana y aplicando un manejo adecuado de los pastos, ganaderos de Los Llanos del Estado Apure (Venezuela) estan explorando mejorar la genética del ganado con programas de cruzamiento.  Cincuenta machos enteros añosos de cinco tipos raciales con influencia Brahman [Brahman puro (n = 10), F1 Angus x Brahman (F1-Angus; n = 10), F1 Chianina x Brahman (F1-Chianina; n = 10), F1 Romosinuano x Brahman (F1-Romosinuano; n = 10) y F1 Simmental x Brahman (F1-Simmental; n = 10)] se compararon en desempeño de la canal (mediciones lineales, indicadores de calidad y cantidad, categorías de clasificación y rendimiento carnicero) a un punto final de conformación deseable con un peso corporal aproximado de 480 kg.  Canales más cortas de Brahman puros exhibieron acabado más abundante, diferente (P<0.05) de las contrapartes más largas F1-Simmental y F1-Romosinuano.  Todas las canales cayeron en la madurez más joven (A) y fueron elegibles para la designación de clase "Bullock" del USDA; el 62% alcanzó el grado de calidad superior venezolano (categoría A), el 96% calificó en el grado de calidad Standard y el 64% alcanzó el grado máximo de rendimiento carnicero (grado 1 USDA).  Los toretes F1-Chianina tuvieron ventajas leves pero significativas en rendimiento en cortes deshuesados de alto valor, en comparación con los de F1-Romosinuano y F1-Simmental.  Por el contrario, F1-Romosinuano superó a F1-Chianina en 1,73 puntos porcentuales de cortes deshuesados de valor medio (P <0.05).  Bajo los criterios de selección de la muestra y el punto final de la cosecha, no se pueden esperar grandes cambios en el rendimiento carnicero a partir del cruzamiento.Com o uso de tecnologias em um ecossistema de savana e aplicando um manejo adequado das pastagens, os criadores de Los Llanos do Estado de Apure (Venezuela) estão tentando melhorar a genética do gado através da utilização de programas de cruzamento.  Cinquenta bovinos machos não castrados, com peso de abate de ~480 kg, de cinco cruzamentos com Brahman [Brahman puro (n = 10), F1 Angus x Brahman (F1-Angus; n = 10), F1 Chianina x Brahman (F1-Chianina; n = 10), F1 Romosinuano x Brahman (F1-Romosinuano; n = 10) e F1 Simental x Brahman (F1-Simental; n = 10)], foram comparados quanto às características (medidas lineares, indicadores de qualidade e quantidade e rendimento de desossa) y tipificacao de carcaça.    Carcaças de Brahman puros apresentaram maior cobertura de gordura do que carcaças de animais F1-Simmental e F1-Romosinuano (P<0.05).  Todas as carcaças foram com maturidade “A” (jovem / Bullock), sendo que 96% se qualificaram no grau de qualidade USDA “Standard” e 64% alcançaram o grau máximo de rendimento de desossa (grau 1).  Pelo padrão venezuelano, 62% das carcaças alcançaram o grau de qualidade superior (categoria A).  Diferenças significativas foram detectadas no rendimento de cortes individuais (filé de costela e contrafilé e cortes do coxão) entre carcaças de F1-Romosinuano e F1-Simental e F1-Angus e F1-Chianina. Carcaças de F1-Chianina apresentaram maiores rendimentos em cortes desossados de alto valor em comparação com F1-Romosinuano e F1-Simmental.  Carcaças de F1-Romosinuano tiveram 1,73 pontos percentuais a mais de rendimento em cortes desossados de valor intermediário, que carcaças de F1-Chianina (P <0,05). Segundo os critérios de seleção da amostra e o ponto final de abate, não se podem esperar grandes mudanças na qualidade e rendimento das carcaças de diferentes cruzamentos. &nbsp

TI 09. Variation in bull carcass trats in grassfed water buffalo and cattle and correlations with valuable cuts, trimmed fat and bone percentage

Cut-out tests were conducted with whole males of grass-fed cattle (n=58) and water buffalo (n=38) previously evaluated for 10 different carcass traits at different commercial slaughter houses of Venezuela. Finish score and fat thickness in buffalo carcasses varied less (32 % and 58 %, respectively) than in cattle counterparts (37 % and 88 %, respectively). However, the proportion of fat trimmed (FAT) from buffalo carcasses varied much more than that of cattle (136 % vs. 26 %). Only the round width (RW) in buffaloes and ribeye area (REA) and RW in cattle were associated (r2 <0.16) with percent yield of most valuable, retail-ready cuts (MVC). REA was a common indicator of bone derived from MVC in both species. While FAT in cattle was only related to carcass weight (r2 < 0.08), a larger proportion of the variation (>55 %) in FAT from buffalo carcasses accounted for its direct relationship to round measurements, carcass weight, fat thickness and ribeye area, showing eligibility of these traits to predict FAT in bull carcasses from buffaloes

Fabrication and variation of the cut-out yield of beef carcasses in Venezuela: anatomical description of the process and equivalency of cut nomenclature to North American counterparts

The typical processes of beef carcass fabrication in Venezuela are anatomically described and the equivalence in cut nomenclature with that of México and United States is provided. Additionally, 910 carcasses were fabricated to assess yield (kg and percentages of carcass weight) in products (subprimals), subprimal groups of distinct commercial value (High, Medium, Low) and by-products (bone, fat trimmings) using mean values ± standard deviation (DE), coefficient of variation (CV) and range of values. Once the carcass is ribbed at the 5th intercostal space, subprimals are obtained by deboning and dissecting the muscle masses (saw cutting is seldom used). In terms of yield, the top three (out of 18) individual subprimals were: Solomo Abierto (boneless Chuck Roll, 39.1± 10.88kg; 14.3± 2.84%), Costilla (bone-in Plate, 22kg± 4.15; 8.12± 0.88%) and Solomo de Cuerito (boneless Rib and Loin, 21.6± 3.10kg; 8.0± 0.59%). Cutability values for High-Valued and Medium-Valued subprimal groups were 81.5± 10.3kg (30.2± 1.43%) and 67.3± 14.57kg (24.8± 3.22%), respectively; the latter showing the highest CV (13.0%). Fat trimmings were the most variable by-product (10.1± 2.84%, CV = 28.0%). This report serves as a reference for future studies and could facilitate the commercial language for trading beef cuts between the countries involve

Desempeño en canal de vacas, vaquillas y toros engordados a pastizal en ecosistema sabana

A group of purebred Brahman cull heifers (n = 22) and cows (n = 19) were fattened on pasture (165 days) along with Zebu-type bulls (n = 20) to compare their carcass traits, fabrication yield and meat palatability traits. Bulls significantly outperformed females in carcass weight and dressing percentage, conformation and fat cover ratings, and ribeye size. Heifers graded better than cows (P 0.05) from bulls in weights of tenderloin, sirloin, top round, bottom round, and low-value cuts (skirts and ribplate). Loin steaks from cows had lower shear force values (P 0.05) a toros en peso de cortes de alto valor (filete, aguayon, pulpa negra, pulpa blanca), y de bajo valor (aldillas y costilla con hueso). Bistés de vacas, con menor fuerza de corte (P<0.05) que los de toros, calificaron mejor en terneza general y sabor (P <0.05). Las ventajas comparativas de hembras en porcentaje de cortes de alto valor y atributos de palatabilidad más deseables, sugieren oportunidades mercadológicas para agregar valor a las canales de hembras descartadas en mercados nichos de calidad para carne de pasto

TI 10. Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) vs. Zebu type cattle. Commercial composition of carcasses from whole males by grade and carcass weights

Thirty-three whole male water buffaloes of Murrah predominance and 18 Zebu type bulls (cattle) were savannah-fed on the same ranch to be compared in cutability at different carcass weight ranges and Venezuelan grades. Slaughter weight ranged from 435-512 kg for buffaloes and from 375-494 kg for cattle. Cattle yielded a higher (P&lt;.05) proportion (+0.77 %) of the composite group of high-valued boneless cuts (due to a higher yield of rib, loin, rump, the eye of round and top round) although buffaloes exceeded (P&lt;.05) cattle in proportion of tenderloin, knuckle, and bottom round. Buffaloes yielded more (P&gt;.05) of the low-valued cuts (flank and bone-in shanks and rib plate). Non-significant differences were found between species for total trimmed fat, clean bone and the composite group of medium-valued boneless cuts from the chuck. Proportion of bone decreased (P&lt;.05) as carcass weight surpassed 210 kg in both species. Significant Species x Carcass weight and Specie x Grade interactions were detected for some retail components. Commercial significance remains to be elucidated for the compositional differences observed

TI 04. Yield grading beef carcasses from the Northeastern region of Venezuela

Analyses of variance of cut-out data (percentages of beef cuts, bone or trimmed fat) from 22 bulls were calculated to validate effectiveness of two grading criteria to segregate groups of carcasses with distinct commercial composition. Bull carcasses graded A (n=7) or C (n=15) by the official carcass grade (OCG) and 2 (n=10), 3 (n=6) or 4 (n=5) by the Yield Index (IRC). Only three individual cuts out of the 19 individual carcass components under study were significantly affected by the OCG, whereas none of the components (P&gt;0.05) was affected by IRC. Moreover, OCG affected (P&lt;.05) yield of total medium-valued boneless cuts (MIDVALUE) and total low-valued cuts.(LOWVALUE). Mean separation indicated a good performance of OCG in discriminating categories by percent yield of tenderloin (A&gt;B), boneless chuck (A&gt;B), MIDVALUE (A&gt;B) and LOWVALUE (B&gt;A). However, given the disparity of these results with other companion trials, it was concluded that revision of the present grading system should consider the use of a more reliable method for the prediction of commercial value of beef carcasses

TI 03. Yield grading beef carcasses from the Mideastern region of Venezuela

Analyses of variance of cut-out data (percentages of beef cuts, bone or trimmed fat) from 36 bulls were calculated to validate effectiveness of two grading criteria to segregate groups of carcasses with distinct commercial composition. Bull carcasses graded A (n = 13), B (n = 14) or C (n = 9) by the official carcass grade (OCG) and 2 (n = 5), 3 (n = 16) or 4 (n = 11) by the Yield Index (IRC). Only four out of the 19 individual carcass components under study were significantly affected by the OCG. Moreover, mean separation indicated a poor performance of OCG (A&lt;B&lt;C, in percent yield of shanks and rump; A&gt;B, in percent trimmed fat) in yield grading for these individual components. A more logical sequence of segregation by yield was found with the use of the Yield Index (IRC) which affected (P&lt;.05) Medium-valued boneless cuts from the chuck (IRC2&gt;IRC3&gt;IRC4) but no differences were found between IRC 3 and IRC 4. To accomplish their objectives, revision of the present grading system should consider the use of a prediction equation to better segregate groups of beef carcasses by yield

TI 07. Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) vs. Zebu-type cattle. Slaughter characteristics of entire males

Thirty-three whole male water buffaloes of Murrah predominance and 18 Zebu type bulls (cattle) were savannah-fed on the same ranch to be compared as to slaughter characteristics at different Venezuelan grades. Slaughter weight ranged from shrinkage 435-512 kg for buffaloes and 375-494 kg. for cattle. Head, hide, feet, blood, genitals, warm carcass weight, cooler shrinkage, gastrointestinal tract without content, liver and pluck percentages were calculated. Differences between species in percent head, cooler shrinkage, feet, blood and genitals were not significant. Buffaloes of predominantly Murrah breeding had significantly heavier hides, larger gastrointestinal tract and higher (P&lt;.05) percent of pluck and organ fat than the predominantly Zebu cattle. Animals graded as B dressed 2.35% higher and yielded a greater proportion of pluck (+0.12 %) than those of the C grade (P&lt;.05), showing an advantage in the wholesale trade. A significant specie x grade interaction was detected for percent head, abomasum and mesenteric fat. It was concluded that the advantage in dressing percent (+6.51 %) of cattle over buffaloes is mainly due to lighter hides and the lower percentages of live weight removed as gastrointestinal tract and content

Deshuese y variación del rendimiento carnicero de canales bovinas en Venezuela: descripción anatómica del proceso y nomenclatura de cortes equivalente a los correspondientes norteamericanos

The typical processes of beef carcass fabrication in Venezuela are anatomically described and the equivalence in cut nomenclature with that of México and United States is provided. Additionally, 910 carcasses were fabricated to assess yield (kg and percentages of carcass weight) in products (subprimals), subprimal groups of distinct commercial value (High, Medium, Low) and by-products (bone, fat trimmings) using mean values ± standard deviation (DE), coefficient of variation (CV) and range of values. Once the carcass is ribbed at the 5th intercostal space, subprimals are obtained by deboning and dissecting the muscle masses (saw cutting is seldom used). In terms of yield, the top three (out of 18) individual subprimals were: Solomo Abierto (boneless Chuck Roll, 39.1± 10.88kg; 14.3± 2.84%), Costilla (bone-in Plate, 22kg± 4.15; 8.12± 0.88%) and Solomo de Cuerito (boneless Rib and Loin, 21.6± 3.10kg; 8.0± 0.59%). Cutability values for High-Valued and Medium-Valued subprimal groups were 81.5± 10.3kg (30.2± 1.43%) and 67.3± 14.57kg (24.8± 3.22%), respectively; the latter showing the highest CV (13.0%). Fat trimmings were the most variable by-product (10.1± 2.84%, CV = 28.0%). This report serves as a reference for future studies and could facilitate the commercial language for trading beef cuts between the countries involved.Se describen anatómicamente los procesos de despiece de canales bovinas en Venezuela y las equivalencias en nomenclatura de cortes con México y Estados Unidos. Además, se despostaron 910 canales para evaluar el rendimiento en Kg y porcentaje del peso de canal para productos (cortes sub-primarios) individuales y agrupados por valor comercial (Alto, Mediano y Bajo) y los sub-productos (hueso, grasa recortada), utilizando medias ± desviación estándar, coeficientes de variación (CV) y rangos de valores. Después de cuartear la canal en el 5to espacio intercostal, se obtienen los cortes sub-primarios por deshuese y disección (corte a sierra esporádico). Los tres primeros cortes individuales subprimarios en rendimiento (de 18) fueron: Solomo Abierto (sin hueso, 39.1± 10.88 kg; 14.3± 2.84%), Costilla (22kg± 4.15; 8.12± 0.88%) y Solomo de Cuerito (sin hueso, 21.6± 3.10 kg; 8.0± 0.59%). Valores de rendimiento para grupos de alto y medio valor fueron 81.5± 10.3 kg (30.2± 1.43%) y 67.3± 14.57 kg (24.8± 3.22%), respectivamente; el último mostrando el CV más alto (13.0%). El subproducto más variable (10.1± 2.84%, CV = 28.0%) fue la grasa recortada. Este informe sirve como referencia para futuros estudios y podría facilitar el lenguaje comercial de cortes vacunos entre los países involucrados