Carcass Physical Composition And Yield Of Bovine Commercial Brazilian Cuts From Two Genetic Groups Slaughtered At Three Weights

Nine steers 3/4 Nelore-1/4 Canchim and nine 3/4 Nellore-1/4 Caracu, with a live weight average initialof 312 and 303kg, respectively, and 22 months of age, were used to evaluate the effects of the genetic groups and slaughter weights (430, 470 and 530kg) on the carcasses physical composition and commercial Brazilian cuts yields. The animals were fed on feedlot and allotted in a completely randomized design, in a factorial arrangement 2 x 3 (genetic groups and slaughter weights), with three replicates. The animals were slaughtered as they reached the pre-established weights and the 1/2 right cold carcass (RCC) was separate between the 5th and 6th ribs in forequarter, pistol cut (PSC) and ribs which were weighted, boned and separated in edible portion, fat trims and bones. No differences were observed between the genetic groups in the traits analyzed, possibly due to the likeness at genetic composition of animals, since they were mainly from Nelore breed. The slaughter weights influenced the proportion of the forequarter, with was greater in the lighter group. Larger yields of bones and edible portion were verified in the lighter weight group, as well as smaller yields of fat trims. However, the heavier slaughtered animals produced carcasses excessively ended, what contributed to the increase in the proportion of fat trims. The genetic groups and the slaughter weight produced carcasses attended to the demands of the market in weight terms, finishing degree and yields of the commercial Brazilian cuts.