Productive traits of heifers subjected to feed restriction and diet supplemented with vitamins D and E

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and vitamin D and E supplementation on the performance and carcass traits of Canchim heifers. Twenty-four Canchim heifers with initial body weight of 251.95±18.49 kg were distributed in four treatments: restricted and unrestricted quantity of feeding, with or without vitamin D and E supplementation. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, with six replicates. Animals with restricted feeding received, for 48 days, 70% of the feed offered for the group of unrestricted feeding. After the restriction period, animals (300.10 kg mean weight) receive unrestricted feeding for more 77 days, until they reach the slaughter weight of 380 kg. The evaluations were made at the end of the periods of restriction and refeeding. No effect of feed restriction was observed on animal performance. Heifers that did not receive supplementation with vitamin D and E had greater indexes of myofibril fragmentation, luminosity, and chewing score, and lower shear force. Feed restriction does not affect the performance and carcass traits of Canchim heifers, and vitamin D and E supplementation does not improve meat quality.