The influence of the pre-slaughter weight of steers on their beef traits

Abstract

Beef productivity of animals such indicators as breed, age of the animal at slaughter, pre-slaughter weight, and after slaughter – yield of carcass, slaughter weight and slaughter yield, morphological composition and the nature of fat deposition are characterized by. The purpose of the research was to study the influence of the pre-slaughter weight of steers of Aubrac breed on their beef traits. In order to carry out the research, three groups of animals have been formed per 15 animals in each. The 1st group included animals whose pre-slaughter weight was in the range of 425–440 kg, the 2nd group – 455–460 kg and the 3rd – 475–500 kg. The conditions of feeding and housing the animals were the same. The animals were housed in arched-type barns with free access to exercising areas. The results of the investigation of the beef productivity and quality of the Musculus longissimus in steers of Aubrac breed depending on the pre-slaughter live weight have been presented in the article. It has been found that animals with the pre-slaughter weight of more than 455 kg were characterized by higher beef traits. Steers with the pre-slaughter weight from 475 to 500 kg were characterized by higher slaughter and beef traits, in the samples of the Musculus longissimus they had a higher content of fat and amino acids. Samples of the Musculus longissimus of steers at slaughter of 455–460 kg were characterized by the higher caloric content, protein-quality indicator. It has been proposed according to the results of the research that the optimal slaughter for steers of Aubrac breed with the pre-slaughter weight is more than 455 kg.