Comparison of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with crossbred and purebred Brahman cattle for growth performance on savannah and slaughter traits at four ages in Venezuela

Abstract

Males (n = 132) of water buffalo (Buffalo), Brahman crossbred and purebred cattle (Brahman) were born, raised, weaned, castrated (half of the animals at 7 months) and fattened on the same grazing savannahs, and then slaughtered at four different ages (7, 17, 19 and 24 months) to compare growth and slaughter traits and examine post-weaning castration effects. Buffalo showed consistently faster weight gains and heavier carcasses but had lower dressing percentages than Brahman cattle due to higher proportions of hide, head, and red and white viscera at each age (P < 0.05). Additionally, Buffalo had abundant fat cover distribution, and whiter subcutaneous fat than Brahman (P < 0.05), this resulted in a higher proportion of Buffalo carcasses that graded in the second quality Venezuelan grade ‘A’ (P < 0.05). Regardless of species, bulls had higher average daily gain and liveweight than steers (P < 0.05); however, no differences were detected in carcass weight and dressing percentages (P > 0.05). Also, at the same weight steers produced carcasses with thicker back fat, more abundant fat cover distribution and whiter fat than bulls (P < 0.05). With respect to age groups, there were concomitant increases in slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage as age increased (P < 0.01). As age advanced, carcasses had a more convex leg profile, abundant fat cover, thicker back fat, higher marbling and greater REA (P < 0.05). Based on the observed growth and carcass traits, Buffalo offer a promising alternative for meat production under savannah feeding production systems.