The effect of rearing technology on carcass quality of Cika young bulls

Absztrakt

Cika cattle is the only Slovenian autochthonous cattle breed. Nowadays, it is mostly reared in the cow-calf systems. The aim of this study was to find out how rearing technology affects carcass and beef quality of slaughtered Cika bulls. This study included 18 young bulls of Cika cattle; 8 bulls were intensively fattened, while 10 young bulls were grazing on the pastures. Data were analysed by Student t-test using PROC TTEST in the statistical package SAS/STAT considering rearing technology. Young bulls reared on pasture until slaughter had lower carcass weights (232.8 kg vs. 291.8 kg), they were older at slaughter (23.54 months vs. 19.99 months) and reached lower net daily gains (330.5 g/day vs. 488.4 g/day) than fattened young Cika bulls. Average conformation score in carcasses of fattened were significantly higher (7.13) compared to grazed bulls (5.20) as well as fatness score was significantly higher in carcasses of fattened (5.38) compared to grazed bulls (3.40). In carcass sides lean meat had largest part, but the difference between fattened (73.07%) and grazed bulls (73.79%) was not significant. Side carcasses of fattened bulls had significantly larger part of fat (8.91%) compared to 5.95% of fat in carcasses of grazed bulls. The lean meat: bones ratio in fattened carcasses was significantly higher (4.52) compared to grazed carcasses (4.08). Grazed bulls had significantly larger lean meat: fat ratio (14.19) compared to fattened bulls (8.30).