<b>Performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of nonpregnant or pregnant heifers finished in feedlot</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i4.1010

Abstract

This work was carried out to study the effect of pregnancy on performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of crossbred heifers in comparison with nonpregnant heifers finished in feedlot. Five pregnant heifers and five nonpregnant heifers, 20 months old and with initial live weight of 327 kg were used. The initial live weight, final weight, average daily gain, intake, feed conversion, carcass weight, hot carcass dressing, Longissimus area and fat thickness (4.21 mm) did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. Pregnant heifers chuck showed higher levels (p < 0.05) of moisture and ash, and lower levels (p < 0.05) of total fat, than nonpregnant heifers. Pregnant heifers rump showed higher levels (p < 0.05) of moisture. Nonpregnant heifers striploin had the highest level (p < 0.05) of moisture. The fatty acid profile of pregnant heifers chuck had the highest levels (p < 0.05) of 14:0, 16:1n7 and 20:4n6, but showed the lowest level (p < 0.05) of 17:0. Nonpregnant heifers topside showed the highest levels (p < 0.05) of 18:1t11 and 18:2c9t1. Pregnant heifers chuck showed the highest level (p < 0.05) of PUFA. Nonpregnant heifers had higher levels of n-6 fatty acids than pregnant heifers. The striploin of pregnant heifers showed higher percentage (p < 0.05) of n-3.