Carcass characteristics in Zebu and crossbred Holstein-Zebu (F1) steers in the growing and finishing phases

The carcass characteristics of bovine Indubrasil and crossbred F-1 Holstein-Gir and Holstein-Guzera in the growing and finishing phases were evaluated. The carcass yield and the percentages of the basic cuts, carcass length, subcutaneous fat thickness, loin eye area, muscle, fat and bones percentages were also determined. The genetic groups showed no influence on hot carcass yield in relation to live weight and empty body weight. as well as in yields of the basic cuttings, the hindquarter, the forequarter and pistol style cut, at the growing and finishing phases. Indubrasil animals can reach, in inferior weights than animals F-1 Holstein-Gir and F-1 Holstein-Guzera, the same fat levels in the carcass. F-1 Holstein-Guzera presented higher area of the loin at growing, but no differences were observed in the finishing phase.