<b>Different fat source effects on feedlot beef heifers' performance and carcass traits</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i1.1250

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of different fat sources on feedlot beef heifers' performance and carcass traits. Twenty-three 20-month-old crossbreed heifers (½ Red Angus ½ Nelore) with 351 kg initial body weight were monitored for 46 days. Three different treatments were evaluated: linseed supplement (LIN), protected fat supplement (PFA), and no fat supplement (NOF). The heifers were allotted into a completely randomized design. No effect was observed in the final live weight (382.04 ± 34.12 kg), daily gain (1.11 ± 0.33 kg/day) and feed conversion (8.12 ± 1.72 kg DM/kg BW). There was no difference in hot carcass weight (202.10 ± 23.27 kg), hot carcass yield (53.10 ± 2.43%), fat thickness (6.50 ± 1.40 mm and 3.23 ± 0.55 mm/100 kg carcass), sawcut weight (64.70 ± 7.34 kg), carcass lenght (121.56 ± 5.30 cm), quarter lenght (76.03 ± 2.51 cm), forequarter lenght (96.60 ± 3.21 cm), marbling (9.04 ± 4.40 points), color (4.30 ± 0.47 points), texture (3.43 ± 0.66 points), and loin area (62.35 ± 4.61 cm² and 31.14 ± 2.22 cm²/100 kg carcass). LIN and PFA fat sources could be utilized without any performance or carcass characteristics decrease