Effect of the inclusion of natural additives on animal performance and meat quality of crossbred bulls (Angus × Nellore) finished in feedlot

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence a finishing diet containing natural additives fed for 94 days on animal performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of crossbred bulls (1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore). Forty-eight bulls (initial BW 318 ± 4.7 kg and initial age 22 months) were used in a completely randomised design. Bulls were fed one of four diets: (1) CON – Control; (2) CCO – addition of 4 g/animal.day of a mix of essential oils from castor bean and cashew; (3) MIX – addition of 4 g/animal.day of a mix of essential oils (oregano oils, castor bean, cashew); (4) YST – addition of 4 g/animal.day of yeast. Bulls were finished in feedlot (in individual pens) and slaughtered at an average weight of 469 ± 6.7 kg. Final BW, hot carcass weight and average daily gain were greater (P < 0.05) in MIX diet than in the three other diets. However, DM intake, G : F, fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, marbling, and meat colour were similar (P > 0.05) among the four diets. The carcass conformation score was higher (P < 0.05) for bulls that were fed with the YST diet and similar for the three other diets. Meat from CCO had a reduced (P < 0.05) cooking loss when compared with CON diet. Shear force from MIX diet had lesser values (P < 0.05) than meat from YST diet, and it was similar among CON and CCO diets. There was no diet effect (P > 0.05) on lipid oxidation, moisture, ash, and total lipids contents. C14:0, C14:1 n-9, C16:0, C18:1 n-9, C18:1 n-7 and C18:3 n-6 fatty acids in intramuscular fat from the longissimus muscle were affected by the inclusion of additives in the diets. SFA, MUFA, PUFA, n-3 and n-6 fatty acid percentages, and the ratios PUFA : SFA and n-6 : n-3 were similar (P > 0.05) among diets. In conclusion, adding a mix of oregano, castor bean, and cashew oils in the diet improved the performance of the bulls, but meat characteristics did not significantly change.

Essential Oils in the Diet of Crossbred (½ Angus vs. ½ Nellore) Bulls Finished in Feedlot on Animal Performance, Feed Efficiency and Carcass Characteristics

“…In general, the addition of essential oils in the diet of cattle finished in feedlot and fed on a diet with high energy density has no effect in carcass traits (Benchaar et al, 2006;Cruz et al, 2014;Fugita et al, 2017). This is consistent with other studies using beef cattle and lambs Cruz et al, 2014;Yang et al, 2009).…”

“…Yang et al (2009) observed a positive short-term effect on DMI (from day 1 to 28) when crossbred steers finished in feedlot (Hereford vs. Angus) were fed increasing doses of cinnamaldehyde (400, 800 and 1600 mg/d). On the other hand, feeding ~500 mg/kg of DM of castor bean and cashew essential oils had no effect on DMI of crossbred bulls (Angus vs. Nellore) finished in feedlot (Fugita et al, 2017). Also, Chaves et al (2008) did not observed effect on DMI when lambs were fed 200 mg/kg of DM of cinnamaldehyde or juniper berry essential oil.…”

“…Likewise, Valero et al (2016) observed improved feed efficiency for bulls finished in feedlot and supplemented with 550 mg/kg of DM of essential oils (cashew and castor). On the other hand, Fugita et al (2017) did not observe difference on feed efficiency with the addition of ~500 mg/kg of DM of cashew and castor oil in the diet of bulls finished in feedlot. Essential oils can affect methanogens and decrease methane production, thus improving energy efficiency in the rumen (Benchaar & Greathead, 2011).…”

“…The feed conversion was approximately 4.3 kg of DM for 1 kg of BW gain and may be attributed to the genetic quality of animals (½ Angus vs. ½ Angus), their sexual condition (bulls) and the high-energy density of the diet (70% TDN). Usually, crossbred bulls fed on a high-energy density diets have decreased DMI and feed conversion of 5-6 kg of DM intake for 1 kg of BW gain Fugita et al, 2017), resulting in improved feed efficiency (NRC, 2000).…”

“…Moreover, these compounds impact ruminant production by affecting protein and lipid metabolism in the rumen, stimulating of feed digestion, reduction of hyper-producing ammonia bacteria, affecting bacterial colonization of substrates in the rumen, and due to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Benchaar et al, 2006;Benchaar et al, 2008;Calsamiglia et al, 2007;Chaves et al, 2008;Cruz et al, 2014;Fugita et al, 2017;Hart et al, 2008;Valero et al, 2016). For example, feeding cinnamaldehyde or essential oils from juniper berry (200 mg/kg of DM) improved average daily gain of lambs .…”