Quantitative carcass traits of buffaloes from three genetic groups finished in feedlot and slaughtered at different maturities

This work was conducted to Study the quantitative carcass traits of 36 buffaloes (12 Murrah - MUR, 12 Jafarabadi - JAF and 12 Mediterranean - MED) averaging 18 months old and initial body weight (BW) of 330 kg finished in feedlot. Twelve animals of each genetic group were randomly assigned to three sub-groups (four animals) and distributed to the following treatments: Maturity I-slaughter weight at 400 kg of BW, Maturity 2-slaughter weight at 450 kg of BW, or Maturity 3 - slaughter weight at 500 kg of BW. Animals had free access to a diet containing 50% of forage (DM basis). After each slaughter empty body weight (EBW) was determined through the sum of body parts. No differences among genetic groups and Maturity were observed for yields of hind and forequarters, whole shoulder and whole rump. However, animals slaughtered at 400 kg of BW had lower yield of beef plate than those slaughtered at 500 kg of BW while animals on treatment 2 were intermediate. Opposed behavior was observed regarding whole shoulder yield. Production of meat from Murrah, Jafarabadi and Mediterranean did not differ for yields of carcass yield and prime cuts.