Effect of condensed tannin extract (BYPRO®) on carcass traits of cattle in a feedlot system

The study involved 64 Nellore (Bos indicus) and 96 Angus (Bos taurus) young bulls (+340 kg initial weight and +22 month of age) to evaluate the effect of supplementation of condensed tannin extract on carcass traits of young bulls in feedlot system (105 days - finishing phase). Assigned to a randomized complete block design defined by initial BW, pens were assigned to one of four treatments: (T1) 14% CP +25 ppm Monensin (MON)); (T2) 14% CP + 25 ppm MON + 0,15% Tannin (TN); (T3) 14% CP + 0,15% TN and (T4) 13% CP + 25 ppm MON + 0,15% TN. The treatments provided the same diet for all animals (90 and 10%, for concentrate and forage, respectively), varying only the inclusion of the different additives and CP level. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with initial weight as a covariant, and the effects were considered signifcant when P < 0.05. Eight animals were slaughtered at the beginning of experiment as a reference group for the remaining animals. Carcass datas were used to estimate the average total carcass gain and average daily carcass gain. At the end of the finishing period, the young bulls were slaughtered. Carcasses were identified, weighed and refrigerated at 4°C for 24 hours. No effect of treatments for hot carcass weight (P=0.714), yield grade (P=0.739), average total carcass gain (P=0.725) and average daily carcass gain (P=0.729). In conclusion, the inclusion of condensed tannin extract in the diet of young bulls in feedlot system not affected the carcass characteristics