Use of cross-breed dairy calves for meat production after weaning, on pangola grass pasture

Abstract

53 carcasses of mixed-breed male dairy calves grown on pastures from weaning to slaughter (400-450 kg live weight) were studied. The calves were used in a grazing trial to compare comercial fertilizer and a legume (Centrosema pubescens Benth) as sources of nitrogen for fertilization of pangolagrass pastures. Average annual results for three years were as follows: (a) live weight (after24 hours of fast), 398,5 kg; (b) carcass weight, 201,9 kg; (c) carcass yield, 50,6%; (d) slaughter age, 32,5 months; (e) daily gain per animal, 402 g. Carcass yield on grass pastures that received nitrogen fertilizer (51,3%) was significantly bether than the control (50,0%) (P = 0,05) while grass legume mixed pastures were intermediate (50,3%). Carcass composition values are presented for each treatment and as general averages. The study shows very clearly that the dairy calf can be utilized to produce meat, being a new income to the dairy farmer and increasing Brasil's meat production.