Philippine E-Journals

Effects of Entry Age and Weight, and Length of Feeding on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Brahman-Wagyu Crosses under Philippine Conditions

Cesar C. Sevilla | Maria Cynthia R. Oliveros | Veneranda P. Anila-magpantayl | B. Devesa | T.m. Toriol

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

 

Abstract:

A total of 165 feeder stock and 56 finished cattle were sampled to determine the growth rate and carcass quality of Wagyu x Brahman steers under Philippine conditions. The effects of entry age and weight, and length of feeding period on average daily gain (ADG) was determined. Significant interaction effects existed between entry age and entry weight, and between entry age and feeding period on ADG. Generally, animals inducted into the feedlot below 15 months had the lowest ADG compared with all other age groups. This may partly be attributed to the vulnerability of younger animals to the stressful conditions of confinement. The results suggest that the optimum feedlot performance of Wagyu x Brahman crosses could be attained at an entry age of not less than 24 months, live weight of <250 kg, and a feeding period of up to six months. The interaction effects between entry age and feeding period further illustrate the occurrence of compensatory growth rate. The data suggest that compensatory growth in Wagyu x Brahman lasts for about 100 days on feed for all animals of lighter live weights, regardless of entry age. The length of feeding period had a highly significant effect on marbling, meat color and fat color. Slaughter weight also significantly increased marbling score, but did not affect meat and fat color. Hence, length of feeding period is considered as the major factor responsible for high marbling scores. Thus, the use of slaughter weight as determinant for the development of marbling should be qualified on the basis that the animals enter the feedlot at live weights of not more than 350 kg and at about 2 years of age.