Uso da ultrassonografia associada ao ganho médio de peso de bovinos de corte comerciais

Abstract

Brazil is one of the most important beef producers in the world, presenting competitiveness to operate in more than 150 countries. Using carcass ultrasonography technique, it possible to predict, in live animals, the characteristics that are important for animal production and meat quality wich satisfy the consumer and the industry. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the separation of purchased animals using carcass ultrasound, evaluating the desirable measures for commercial cuts. Fazenda União database was used for gathering information from 102 steers, acquired aged between 9 and 10 months of age, with an average live weight of 233 kg, from the following genetic groups: Nelore, Brangus, ½ Angus, ¾ Nellore and PO (Pure Origin). Steers were scanned using an US Aloka 500 New equipment, measuring the rib eye area (REA), in cm²; marbling score or intramuscular fat (MAR) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SCF). The average daily gain (ADG) was also evaluated. All statistical procedures were performed using SAS statistical package. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify the existence of significant differences between genetic groups, means were compared by the Tukey test at a 5% of significance. Positive and significant correlations were observed for live weight with REA, RATIO, SCF and ADG (0.69; 0.23; 0.23, 0.50, respectively). There was a positive correlation coefficient between ADG with REA and SFC, indicating that selection for REA and SFC may increase steers ADG. No significant difference was observed beteween the genetic groups for f the REA means. For MAR Nelore and Angus presented better results than the other genetic groups. For EGS, Nelore PO (2,48mm) presented similar results to all genetic groups except for Brangus (1,93mm). Carcass ultrasonography selection may help producers to choose high performance animals on their property.