engleski

Carcass characteristics of Istrian bulls in beef production

Istrian cattle are one of three endangered autochthonous cattle breeds in Croatia. Regional government has supported programs of economic reaffirmation of the breed through beef production and marketing. The aim of this research was to investigate production indicators of the Istrian cattle for beef production. The research included 60 pure bred Istrian bulls divided into two numerically equal groups, young bulls (20 to 24 month) and older bulls (25 to 28 month). Animals were kept on small households, in traditional housing and feeding conditions. They were slaughtered according to the standard procedure in local slaughterhouse and after 24h post-mortem, the carcass EUROP conformation score and subcutaneous fat thickness were determined. Slaughter live weight in the group of young bulls was 588.1 kg and in the group of older bulls 645.8 kg. Young bulls achieved higher average daily gain (839 g) than older bulls (789 g). Cold carcass weight in group of young bulls was lower (324.4 kg) than in the group of older bulls (344.7 kg). Young bulls achieved significantly higher average net daily gain (471 g/day) than older bulls (429 g/day). Chilling loss in group of young and older bulls was similar (1.71%, 1.73%). Dressing percentages of young bulls were higher than in the group of older bulls (56.1% ; 54.9%). Slaughtered animals in group of older compared to younger bulls have had some favorable EUROP carcasses score class. Based on this research we conclude that Istrian cattle have a favorable potential for beef production, especially in the technology of low to moderate intensity level.

beef production, Istrian cattle, bulls, carcass quality

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