The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of young heifers from different genetic groups in an intensive meat production system. One hundred and thirty two heifers from four different genetics groups were used: 18 – ¾ Canchim × ¼ Nellore (¾ CN), 18 – ½ Canchim × ½ Nellore (½ CN), 24 Simbrasil – ⅝ Simmental × ⅜ Nellore (SIMB) and 72 – Three way cross ¼ Simmental × ¼ Nellore × ½ Angus. The heifers were […]

The objective of this trial was to study the effects of four concentrate levels and days on feed on body weight (BW) and Longissimus muscle area (ULMA), backfat thickness (UFT) and rump fat (URF) measured by ultrasound. Twenty-four Nellore young bulls fed diets containing 20, 40, 60 or 80% of concentrate during 142 days were used in this experiment. Ultrasound measurements were taken at 1, 26, 53, 84, 109 and 142 days on feed. Body weight was linearly associated with […]

The objective of this work was to verify the usefullness of ultrasound to estimate the carcass backfat thickness (EGSC) at slaughter. Twenty four Brangus and 24 Nelore, intact males, were fed with diets containing 20, 40, 60 or 80% of concentrate. Ribeye area (AOLU) and backfat thickness (EGSU) between 12ª and 13ª ribs and the fat thickness over Biceps femoris muscle (EGPU) were collected with a PieMedical Scanner 200 Vet equipment, with linear array transducer of 178 mm coupled with […]

The objective of this work was to obtain equations to estimate hot carcass weight (PCQ) and dressing percentage (RC) from ultrasound measurements (US) of 48 young bulls of the Brangus and Nellore breeds, fed diets with 20, 40, 60 or 80% of concentrate. Ultrasonic measurements made with a PieMedical Scanner 200 Vet equipment, with linear array transducer of 178 mm coupled with standoff guide, were ribeye area (AOLU), backfat thickness (EGSU) between 12ª and 13ª ribs and the fat thickness […]

The objective of this work was to estimate the correlations among measurements taken in vivo with ultrasound equipment with some carcass characteristics measured after slaughter. Twenty two Nellore steers, with average shrunk body weight of 279 kg and 24 months of age, were fed by 98 days with high concentrate diets. The shrunk body weight, the ribeye area (AOLU) and the fat thickness (EGSU) over the Longissimus dorsi muscle between 12ª and 13ª ribs, were measured at 28 days intervals. […]