Effect of zeranol and estradiol-17â on carcass and sensory characteristics of zero-grazed White Fulani bulls

Abstract

Transhumance is one of the major factors contributing to farmers-herders conflict. Therefore, a strategy that encourages zero-grazing without adversely affecting cattle growth may contribute to reducing such conflict. This study investigated a method for zero-grazing. Twenty-seven stocker White Fulani bulls were evaluated over 60 days in feedlot to determine the effect of zeranol and estradiol-17β as growth promoters on carcass and beef sensory characteristics. Cattle, finished on 14% CP ration, were allotted to non-implanted (control), estradiol- and zeranol-implanted treatments at nine animals/treatment in three replicates of three animals each. Carcass characteristics of finished cattle were determined, liver samples were assayed for hormone residue and beef samples were assessed for eating qualities. Implanted animals had significantly (P<0.05) greater loin eye area and heavier live and hot carcass weights than non-implanted but similar (P>0.05) dressing % and relative weights of cut-up carcass parts and organs. Hormone residues of liver from implanted and non-implanted cattle were comparable and significantly lower than the maximum recommended safe limits, indicating that meat from implanted cattle pose no health risk for consumption. Consumer panelists preferred beef from implanted cattle for tenderness, juiciness and flavor and beef from estradiol-implanted cattle very much liked above that from zeranol-implanted or non-implanted cattle. Implanting finishing White Fulani cattle with estradiol is beneficial for improving carcass value and beef eating quality. Adoption of this management strategy or a modification may contribute significantly towards reducing the incessant herders-farmers conflict because of its low pressure on land resources.