External body components and internal fat of Charolais or Nellore steers, fed with different concentrate level

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the development of external body components and the distribution of internal fat of Charolais (CH) and Nellore (NE) steers, fed with different concentrate level in the diet. The steers were distributed in six treatments constituted by three concentrate level: 35, 50 or 65% (dry matter basis) and two genetic group (Charolais or Nellore). NE steers fed with 65% concentrate in diet showed higher EBW yield, it was not different to CH and NE steers fed with 50% concentrate. Head weigth in relation to EBW was decrease with the increase of the proportions concentrate (4.67, 4.30 and 4.28 to 35; 50 and 65% concentrate, respectively). The head weigh also was lower from NE steers in relation to CH steers (4.30 versus 4.54, respectively). The absolute total weight of internal fat was higher (P<.05) for steers fed with high concentrate proportions (18.13; 22.58 and 21.74 kg to 35, 50 and 65% concentrate) and to CH steers in relation to NE (22.52 versus 19.11, respectively). CH steers showed highest internal fat. Similarly, steers fed high-concentrate ratio had also higher deposit of internal fat.