FAT SOURCES IN DIETS FOR FEEDLOT-FINISHED STEERS - CARCASS AND MEAT CHARACTERISTICS

The object of this study was to compare the effect of different sources of fat in the diet for feedlot steers on carcass and meat characteristics. Twenty steers were distributed into four treatments: BC – basic concentrate; IRB – basic concentrate + rice bran + rice oil; M3 - basic concentrate + 3% of fatty acids calcium salts; and M6 – basic concentrate + 6% of fatty acids calcium salts. Previously to slaughter, the animals were submitted to a 14-hour fasting and were weighted to obtain slaughter weight. The slaughter was carried out in a commercial slaughterhouse and followed normal slaughter flow. Thecomplete randomized block experimental design was used, with four treatments and four replications (blocks), being the animals’ genetic group the blocking criteria. The highest fat accumulation was found in carcasses of animals from M6 treatments (5.21mm). Animals thatconsumed 6% of fatty acid calcium salts showed carcass with higher edible portion (6.31 vs. average of 5.7, respectively, for M6 and others treatments). The inclusion of fatty acids calcium salts in the diet improved carcass finishing and increased carcass total fat content. The inclusion of rice bran and oil or fatty acid calcium salts did not change animal’s meat characteristics.