The Effect of the Slaughter Weight on Carcass Composition, Body Measurements and Veal Quality of Holstein Calves

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth, fattening characteristics and veal quality of MLT from Holstein calves (total number of 40 heads) produced from 4 slaughter weight groups (130, 150, 180 and 210 kg). Calves were fed in the same conditions. Average daily gains ranged from 660 g in slaughter weight 130 kg to 840 g in weight 210 kg (P < 0.001). The most important changes of linear body measurements were revealed in hip height and withers height (P < 0.001). Slaughter weight had strong impact on average daily gain and most of body measurements (P < 0.01). Slaughter weight influenced proportion of kidney, rumen and intestinal fat, while highest proportion was found in the group of 180 kg (P < 0.001). Calves of slaughter weight 180 kg had lowest proportion of bones (P < 0.001) and highest proportion of meat (P < 0.001) from right – half carcass. Highest proportion of separable fat had calves of 210 kg as well as 150 kg. In terms of nutritional quality of veal, we found significant and high individual differences in intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01) as well as between monitored groups. The lightness of the meat was highest in the group of 180 kg (P < 0.05). Protein content of the loin muscle had negative impact on intramuscular and moisture content (P < 0.001). Parameter pH strongly positively influenced drip loss value and negatively electrical conductivity.

Effect of Dietary Hemp Cake Inclusion on the In Vivo and Post Mortem Performances of Holstein Veal Calves

“…Dressing percentage values (49.91 and 51.47% from the CTR and HM group, resp.) in this trial are lower than the average of 54.8% calculated from previous studies in Holstein calves slaughtered at weights between 210 to 280 kg [ 27 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Although the supplementation (full-fat hemp seed vs. hemp cake) and the category of animals (steers vs. calves) are different, these results are consistent with a previous study of Gibbs et al in which the effects of full-fat hemp seed were not significant in steers fed with a barley-based finishing diet [ 17 ].…”

“…However, rump width was significantly improved with hemp inclusion. This parameter measures the carcass in terms of size and describes the animal growth better than conventional methods of weighing [ 33 ].…”

The study of "muscle eye" in bulls of Ukrainian black-spotted dairy-meat breed as a factor in improving the properties of meat products

“…The beef of older animals contains more intramuscular fat [20], [21]. The carcasses with lower fat content are obtained from the bulls than oxen [22], [23], [24]. The ratio of thigh circumference to its length (K2) Thigh fullness ratio -0.235 0.596 -0.354…”

The yield of adipose tissue and by-products in the course of the slaughter of inbred and outbred bulls of the Ukrainian beef breed

“…Therefore, it is desirable to avoid close breeding in commercial beef cattle breeding and prefer outbred beef cattle production. Another disadvantage of excessive internal fat deposition is the negative correlation of its amount with intramuscular fat content [57]. Thus, the animals' marbling degree that isprone animals' accumulation will decrease.…”