• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.433-439
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• 2009

This study was conducted to determine the effect of breed on the chemical composition of first (PUR1) and second (PUR2) generations of $Purun{\tilde{a}}$ young bulls, and to compare both generations with different genetic groups: CAN vs. ANG; CAR; and CHA vs. CAR. Thirty bulls were used. The animals from the PUR2 and CHA vs. CAR genetic groups featured higher (p<0.05) moisture percentage in comparison to the PUR1, CAR and CAN vs. ANG groups. The moisture percentage was similar (p>0.05) between PUR2 and CHA vs. CAR animals. The same was observed among the PUR1, CAR, CAN vs. ANG and CHA vs. CAR animals. There was no difference (p>0.05) among genetic groups for ash, total lipids and total cholesterol. The PUR1, CAR and CAN vs. ANG specimens had higher (p<0.05) crude protein percentages as compared to PUR2 and CAN vs. CAR animals. The fatty acid profile was different (p<0.05) among genetic groups. However, the percentages of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, n-6, n-3, PUFA:SFA, and n-6:n-3 were similar (p>0.05) among genetic groups.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1309-1316
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• 2015

In this paper, weight, carcass dressing, weights of the primary cuts, weights of the physical components of the primary cuts, and weights of the main commercial cuts of 66 $Purun{\tilde{a}}$ animals, of which 33 were bulls and 33 were steers were evaluated. These animals, with an average age of 19 months at the beginning of the experiment, were finished in a feedlot system during 116 days, and were fed with diets containing three levels of concentrate (0.8%, 1.1%, and 1.4% of body weight). The concentrate was formulated with 25% soybean meal, 73% ground corn grain, 1% of a mineral mix, and 1% of limestone. The interaction between sexual groups and the concentrate level was not significant for any of the variables. Likewise, no effect of the concentrate level was detected on the same variable traits. The bulls demonstrated higher hot carcass weights (265.1 vs 221.7 kg) and a higher proportion of forequarter (38.4% vs 36.1%) however the steers presented with higher proportions of side (19.7% vs 18.5%) and hindquarter (44.2% vs 43.1%). The bulls produced higher yields of muscle in the three primary cuts, there by resulting in higher yields of edible portions of the carcass. The bulls also produced higher weights of tenderloin, knuckle, topside, flat, eye round, rump, and rump cover. The finishing of young bulls in feedlot is to be recommended, since the animals produce carcasses with higher amounts of edible meat and higher yields of commercial cuts, thus allowing for a better price for the carcass. Low concentrate level could be used due to the lower cost of production for farmers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.612-619
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• 2015

Current study aimed to evaluate the performance of bulls (1/2 Purun$\tilde{a}$ vs 1/2 Canchim) slaughtered at two ages and three different weights. One hundred and thirteen bulls were divided into two slaughter ages (16 and 22 months) and three different slaughter weights (light, 422 kg; medium, 470 kg; and heavy, 550 kg). The body weight was higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Daily gain, carcass weight and dressing were higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Feed intake was higher for bulls slaughtered at 22 months although feed efficiency was better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Carcass characteristics were better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. The percentages of muscle, fat and bone and meat characteristics were similar between two slaughter ages. Feed intake and animal performance was lower for lighter animals. Feed conversion and carcass dressing were similar in the three slaughter weights. Muscle percentage was higher for heavier animals but fat and bone percentages were lower. Slaughter weight had no effect on meat characteristics.