Abstract Research on natural additives to replace or reduce synthetic ones in meat products is still being highlighted. The effect of goji berry (GB) (extract, powder and incorporated in an edible coating) in hamburgers during 10 days of refrigerated (2 ºC) and illuminated (fluorescent lamp, 1200 lux, 12 h day-1) display were evaluated. Four treatments were studied: control (CONT) - hamburger without GB; GBEX - hamburger with GB extract, GBPW - hamburger with GB powder and GBEC - hamburger with GB edible coating. pH, color, water losses, shear force, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and lipid oxidation (TBARS) were evaluated. The use of GB positively affected the quality of hamburger during display and the coated samples presented better results, with reduced weight and color losses, lower pH, and shear force values. The inclusion of GB in hamburgers increased the antioxidant activity and inhibited lipid oxidation. GB has potential application in hamburgers to maintain or improve their characteristics during the shelf-life.

Abstract Essential oils (EOs) are natural compounds extracted from plants that exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. and therefore attract interest as additives in the food industry. especially food for special populations. In the case of children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. another factor has to be considered. such as the consistency of food. This study evaluated consumer acceptability of infant food with oregano essential oil by children diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a questionnaire was applied to assess consumption habits and profile of the studied population. Samples were evaluated according to odor. flavor. color. and texture acceptability. Consumers were divided by days. with 35 children each day per sample (CONT without essential oil and EO with different concentration of oregano essential oil). Total number of children was 103. In relation to acceptability of color. odor and flavor of the CONT and EO-0.01% received higher grades. the infant food with 0.05% oregano essential oil showed lower scores compared with the other treatments. However. in relation to acceptability. all samples received satisfactory scores. In relation to texture. differences were not observed. The use of oregano essential oil could be an alternative for the development of an infant food.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of including clove essential oil (EOcl) in Nile tilapia diets on animal performance and antioxidant power, lipid oxidation, gene expression, texture, pH, color and sensory analysis in fillets. Three levels of EOcl in the diets were evaluated (0.70, 1.05 and 1.40 g/kg), provided over three periods before slaughtering the animals (15, 45 and 60 days). The antioxidant power in the diets increased after including EOcl. There was an interaction effect between the level and period of inclusion of EOcl on the antioxidant power and lipid oxidation of fillets stored up to 14 days after slaughter. Lipid oxidation was reduced by 43.3% compared with the control group. EOcl inclusion in the diet, regardless of level and period, improved texture and promote less gene expression of catalase and glutathione synthetase. This demonstrates that the antioxidant in the tilapia diet acts against the oxidative stress process. Considering the results for the interactions and parameters evaluated, including 1.05 g/kg of clove essential oil in the rations for 15 days before slaughter is indicated because it contributes to a higher fillet quality.

Abstract A new approach to meat color and shelf-life assessment is reported here for hamburgers mixed with goji berry. Samples with powdered or aqueous extract of goji berry were monitored, compared with hamburgers without the additive for ten days and its L*, a* and b* properties were determined by computer vision using a homemade setup. Noteworthy results, in particular the luminosity, for all samples with goji berry – only or with salt and pepper – were perceived, and predictive mathematical models for these food mixtures are here presented. The addition of goji berry in hamburgers, pioneered in this study, present advantageous characteristics both in terms of storage time and a positive effect on human health owing to the polyphenols in the natural additive. This study also offers insights into a low-cost and reliable method for the quality control of meat with potential application in the food industry.

ABSTRACT. In order to evaluate how beef buyers in the State of Paraná, Brazil south value meat quality indicators, and attributes of credibility, 519 interviews were conducted in three cities with different sizes (Big - Curitiba, Medium - Campo Mourão and Small - Palotina). The interviews were applied after the meat was placed in the shopping cart and were composed of five questions, including question of spontaneous response: (i) factors that the buyer considers at the purchasing time; (ii) information which the buyer considers important to appear on the meat label; and three questions of stimulated response: (i) preference for meat preparation and exposure for sale, (ii) factors that the buyer considers when purchasing the meat, and (iii) preference for marbling (by photograph) according to the beef preparation. The results showed that beef buyers are more concerned with extrinsic meat quality indicators than the intrinsic ones, especially the meat presentation and hygiene of the sale point; have little knowledge about the factors that positively influence the eating experience of beef and do not cares about attributes of credibility, except for the meat expiration date. Beef buyers from medium (Campo Mourão) and small (Palotina) cities have a similar behavior, and differ from the buyers of a big (Curitiba) city among the attributes surveyed, in relation to the greater appreciation of inspection, tenderness and marbling, and less importance given to the expiration date. Beef buyers prefer meat cut by the butcher; however, this preference is higher in the small city.

ABSTRACT. Brazil is currently undergoing a process to establish new patterns of consumption habits and the implementation of a new concepts of meat quality. The process emphasizes the quality of information delivered to consumers, which is part of the new approach to meat quality and food safety. The objective of this article is to investigate the attributes considered important when buying beef, knowledge about the production process, labelling, cuts and characteristics of the animals. The study included 276 consumers in three Brazilian cities and their responses were examined in relation to the semi-structured form with fifteen spontaneous and stimulated questions. It was verified that the presentation of the product is regarded as the most important attribute at the time of purchase, they prefer to purchase meat in the butchers, and do not value the labelling of the product, which makes it difficult to identify and offer differentiated products or certificates. The frequency of consumption of beef increases with family income and the vast majority of consumers prefer low marbling meat regardless of the type of preparation. The consumer has little knowledge of more specialized cuts, since the product sold in the butchers has different cuts terminology.

RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore terminados em pastagens e abatidos aos 36 meses de idade (n = 10) e machos não castrados Angus vs. Nelores abatidos aos 20 meses de idade (n = 10). O peso final, peso, características e conformação da carcaça e espessura de gordura de cobertura foram maiores (p < 0,001) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. As perdas de água durante o resfriamento (24 horas, 4º C) foram menores (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A percentagem de músculo na 6ª costela foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que a percentagem de osso foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores. Após 7 e 14 dias de maturação, o valor de L* da carne foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. O valor de L* foi similar (p > 0,05) ao longo da maturação para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que o valor de L* da carne dos novilhos Nelores aumentou (p < 0,05). O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de a* (cor vermelha). Da mesma forma, o tempo de maturação não teve efeito (p > 0,05) para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de b* (cor amarela). Por outro lado, o tempo de maturação aumentou o valor de b* após o sétimo dia para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. A perda por descongelamento e cocção foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores após o sétimo dia de maturação. A carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores foi mais macia (p < 0,05) em todos os tempos de maturação (1, 4, 7 e 14 dias) do que a carne dos novilhos Nelores. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre a oxidação de lipídeos; no entanto, a oxidação de lipídeos aumentou após o sétimo dia. A carne dos novilhos Nelores continha maior percentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), menor percentagem de ácidos graxos não saturados (AGNS) e monoinsaturados (AGMI) e similar percentagem de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) do que a carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A gordura intramuscular dos Nelores tinha melhor razão n-6:n-3 do que a carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores (4,37 vs. 11,45, respectivamente. A maciez, aroma e aceitabilidade geral foram maiores (p < 0,001) para a carne dos novilhos Nelores, desconsiderando o tempo de maturação (1, 4, 7 e 14 dias).

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Water losses during chilling (24 hours, 4oC) were lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Muscle percentage on the 6th rib was higher (p < 0.05) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls; while bone percentage was lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers. After 7 and 14 days of ageing, the L* meat value was higher for the Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls; the L* meat value was similar (p > 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p < 0.05). Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p < 0.05). The meat of the Angus vs. Nellore bulls was more tender (p < 0.05) at all ageing times studied (1, 4, 7 and 14 days) than the meat of the Nellore steers. Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Intramuscular fat from Nellore steers had a more favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio than that from Angus vs. Nellore bulls (4.37 vs. 11.45, respectively). Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability were higher (p < 0.001) for meats of the Nellore steers, regardless of ageing time (1, 4, 7 and 14 days).

Abstract Glycerin is an organic compound with an alcoholic function and can be esterified into fatty acids to form triglycerides. Due to the increasing availability of glycerin, studies that determine the best level of its inclusion in diets for ruminants are needed. This study evaluated the effects of glycerin supplementation on the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of heifers fed on Brachiaria brizantha pasture. Thirty-six heifers were distributed in a totally randomized design with four treatments (G0.0 = without glycerin, G4.6 = 4.6% glycerin, G9.3 = 9.3% glycerin and G14.3 = 14.3% glycerin). The addition of glycerin decreased the tetradecanoic and octadecanoic fatty acids but increased the pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, heptadecenoic, eicosanoic, eicosatetraenoic and docosatetraenoic fatty acids. The saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid concentrations were similar across the diets. However, the polyunsaturated (PUFA) concentrations and the PUFA:MUFA and n-6:n-3 ratios increased with the inclusion of glycerin in the diet. Glycerin levels up to 14.3% (corresponding to a substitution of 50.5% of corn for this byproduct as an energy source) did not alter the proximate composition of the meat but improved the fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum muscle and, consequently, increased the meat quality, potentially providing benefits for human health.

Resumen La glicerina es un compuesto orgánico con una función alcohólica que puede esterificarse en ácidos grasos para formar triglicéridos. Debido a su disponibilidad cada vez mayor, se necesitan estudios que indiquen el mejor nivel de inclusión en las dietas para los rumiantes. Este estudio evaluó los efectos de la glicerina sobre la composición próxima y el perfil de ácidos grasos de Longissimus lumborum de novillas suplementadas con pasto de Brachiaria brizantha. Se distribuyeron 36 vaquillas en un diseño totalmente aleatorizado con cuatro tratamientos (G0.0 = sin glicerina, G4.6 = 4,6% de glicerina, G9.3 = 9.3% de glicerina y G14.3 = 14.3% de glicerina). La adición de glicerina disminuyó los ácidos grasos tetradecanoico y octadecanoico, pero aumentó los ácidos grasos pentadecanoico, heptadecanoico, heptadecenoico, eicosanoico, eicosatetraenoico y docosatetraenoico. Las concentraciones de ácidos grasos saturados (SFA), monoinsaturados (MUFA) y omega-3 (n-3) fueron similares en todas las dietas. Sin embargo, las concentraciones de poliinsaturados (PUFA) y los niveles de PUFA: MUFA y n-6: n-3 aumentaron con la inclusión de glicerina en las dietas. Los niveles de glicerina hasta 14.3% (que corresponden a una sustitución del 50.5% de maíz por este subproducto como fuente de energía) no alteraron la composición proximal de la carne pero mejoraron el perfil de ácidos grasos del músculo Longissimus lumborum y, en consecuencia, aumentaron la carne calidad, potencialmente proporcionando beneficios para la salud humana.

RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para comparar sistemas intensivos de produção de leite no Brasil e na Holanda por meio da análise SWOT. Foram amostradas 21 propriedades, sendo 10 na região central da Holanda, na cidade de Wageningen e 11 no Brasil, na região centro oriental do estado do Paraná, na cidade de Castro. A aquisição das informações foi baseada em entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas com os proprietários ou responsáveis pela atividade, utilizando um questionário guia e um gravador digital. Após a análise dos resultados, foi montada uma tabela representando os pontos fortes e pontos fracos, a oportunidade e os riscos de cada país. As propriedades da Holanda apresentaram uma regularidade entre si: serem de pequeno e médio porte, com alta intensificação da produção. Observou-se também que as propriedades holandesas vêm sendo acometidas com diversos problemas ocasionados por essa alta intensificação como, por exemplo, doenças de casco, que representam grande perda econômica. As propriedades brasileiras apresentaram diversos tipos de sistemas e escalas de produção. Observou-se que a produção das propriedades brasileiras desta região é superior em quantidade em relação às da Holanda; entretanto apresentou menor intensificação quando comparada às propriedades holandesas.

ABSTRACT. Intensive systems of milk production in Brazil and Holland are compared by SWOT analysis. Twenty-one farms, 10 in Wageningen, central region of Holland, and 11 in Castro, central-eastern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were sampled. Data were retrieved from semi-structured interviews with the owners or people responsible for dairy activities, using a questionnaire guide and a digital recorder. After results were analysed, a table was elaborated representing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks for each country. Dairy farms in Holland were uniform, or rather, small and medium-sized farms with high production. It has also been observed that Dutch farms have several problems due to high intensification, for example, hoof diseases with great economic loss. In the case of Brazilian dairy farms, several types of systems and degrees were detected. Brazilian production in the region analysed features a higher quantity than that in Holland, with less intensity when compared to that on Dutch farms.

RESUMO Esse estudo avaliou os efeitos de dietas com casca de algodão e maturação da carne sobre as características de carcaça e a qualidade de carne de bovinos precoces alimentados com dietas de alto teor de concentrado. Trinta bovinos cruzados foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial em três dietas (CH21: 210 g kg-1 de casca de algodão na MS da dieta; CH27: 270 g kg-1 de casca de algodão na MS da dieta e CH33: 330 g kg-1 de casca de algodão na MS da dieta) e diferentes tempos de maturação (24h; 3, 7 e 14 dias). A dieta CH27 apresentou menor teor de umidade na carne (p < 0,05). Os lipídios totais foram menores na dieta CH33 (p <0,05). Após 24h, a dieta CH21 mostrou menor perda por cocção no ML. O aumento no tempo de maturação reduziu a força de cisalhamento (p < 0,001) do ML. A dieta CH27 apresentou maior luminosidade (p < 0,05) e intensidade de amarelo (p < 0,001). Três ou sete dias de maturação proporcionaram menores valores de luminosidade no ML. O crescente tempo de maturação apresentou maior (p < 0,05) intensidade de amarelo no ML. A oxidação de lipídios foi menor na dieta CH21 (p < 0,001). A composição de ácidos graxos foi semelhante entre as dietas. O uso da casca de algodão em dietas de alto de alto teor de concentrado pode ser uma estratégia útil para melhorar a produção de carne magra e a qualidade de carne de bovinos.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of diets composed by cottonseed hull and meat aging on carcass characteristics and meat quality from young bulls fed on a high-concentrate system. Thirty crossbred bulls were assigned in a complete randomized experimental factorial design with three diets (CH21: cottonseed hull 210 g kg-1on a DM basis, CH27: cottonseed hull 270 g kg-1on a DM basis and CH33: cottonseed hull 330 g kg-1on a DM basis) and different aging times (24 hours and 3, 7 and 14 days). Meat from CH27 diets presented smaller LM moisture content (p < 0.05). Total lipids were smaller in CH33 diet (p <0.05). At 24 hours, CH21 diet presented smaller LM cooking loss than other diets. The increasing aging time reduced the shear force (p < 0.001) on the LM. Meat from CH27 diet presented the highest luminosity (p < 0.05) and yellowness values (p < 0.001). Three or seven aging days presented smaller values of LM luminosity. Likewise, the increasing aging time presented greater (p < 0.05) yellowness within the LM. Lipid oxidation was lower from CH21 diet (p < 0.001). The fatty acid composition on LM was similar among diets. The use of cottonseed hull could be useful strategies to improve the meat quality and lean beef production.

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal de 97 touros, 1/2 Purunã vs 1/2 Canchim, que foram abatidos aos 16 (16M) ou 22 (22M) meses, com três níveis de concentrado (0,8, 1,2 e 1,6%) do peso vivo. O peso inicial foi menor para os touros 16M. O peso final e peso de carcaça quente foram similares entre as duas idades de abate. O rendimento de carcaça quente foi maior para os touros 22M. O ganho médio diário foi maior para os touros 16M. O consumo de ração e conversão alimentar da matéria seca foi semelhante entre os touros 16 e 22M. O comprimento de carcaça, marmorização e percentagem de ossos foram menores para os touros de 16M. No entanto, a área do músculo Longissimus dorsi foi maior para os touros de 16M. O comprimento da perna, espessura de coxão, espessura de gordura, conformação, cor, textura, percentual de músculo e gordura foram semelhantes entre os touros de 16 e 22M. Os pesos finais e de carcaça quentes foram menores para os touros, que foram alimentados com 0,8% de concentrado do PV. O rendimento de carcaça foi semelhante para os animais dos três níveis de concentrado. O ganho médio diário foi maior para os touros, que foram alimentados com 1,6% do peso vivo de concentrado e menor para aqueles que foram alimentados com 0,8%. Os níveis de concentrado não tiveram efeito sobre as características de carcaça, ingestão e conversão de matéria seca.

This study was performed to assess the animal performance of 97 bulls, 1/2 Purunã vs. 1/2 Canchim, that were slaughtered at 16 (16M) or 22 (22M) months with three concentrate levels (0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%) of body weight (BW). The initial body weight was lower for the 16M bulls. The final body weight and hot carcass weights were similar between the two slaughter ages. The hot carcass dressing was higher for 22M bulls. The average daily gain was higher for 16M bulls. The feed intake and dry matter feed conversion were similar between 16 and 22M bulls. The carcass length, marbling, and bone percentage were lower for 16M bulls. However, the Longissimus dorsi muscle area was higher for 16M bulls. The leg length, cushion thickness, fat thickness, conformation, colour, texture, muscle percent, and fat percent were similar between 16 and 22M bulls. The final and hot carcass weights were lower for bulls that were fed with 0.8% of BW. The carcass dressing was similar for the three concentrate levels. The average daily gain was higher for bulls that were fed with 1.6% of BW of concentrate and lower for those that were fed with 0.8%. The concentrate levels had no effect on carcass characteristics, feed intake, and dry matter conversion.

Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal e características da carcaça e da carne de novilhas mestiças abatidas com três diferentes pesos vivos. As novilhas foram abatidas com 330 kg (LEV), 360 kg (MED) e 400 kg (PES). O peso vivo final, ganho médio diário e peso de carcaça foram superiores para as novilhas PES, intermediário para as novilhas MED e inferiores para as novilhas LEV. No entanto, o rendimento de carcaça e pH foram semelhantes para os três grupos de animais. As perdas por gotejamento, dissecação e as percentagens de músculo, gordura e ossos na 6ª costela não foram alteradas pelos três pesos de abate. Da mesma forma, o peso de abate não teve efeito sobre a coloração, força de cisalhamento e oxidação lipídica da carne. Em conclusão, novilhas mais pesadas terminadas em pastagem e suplementadas com concentrado apresentaram melhor desempeno animal; todavia, as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne não foram alteradas.

This work was carried out to evaluate the animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of crossbred heifers slaughtered at three different body weights. The heifers were slaughtered with 330 (Light), 360 (Medium) and 400 (Heavy) kg body weight. The final weight, average daily gain and carcass weight were greater for HEA heifers, intermediate for MED heifers and lower for LIG heifers. However, carcass dressing and pH were similar for the three heifers groups. Dripping loss, dissection loss and the muscle, fat and bone percentages on the 6th rib did not alter by slaughter weight. Slaughter weight did not affect the colour, shear force and lipid oxidation of meat. In conclusion, heavy heifers finished in pasture and that were concentrate-supplemented had better animal performance; however, the carcass characteristics and meat quality were similar for the three heifers groups.

Avaliou-se a influência da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de crambe no suplemento concentrado sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de vacas em pastejo, nas proporções 0, 5, 10, 15%. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, em que foram utilizadas 20 vacas Nelore, que foram suplementadas durante a época de transição água - seca em pastagem de Brachiaria humidicola, e monitoradas quanto ao peso e condição corporal a cada 28 dias. Na pastagem foram quantificadas a massa de forragem total e as proporções de folha, colmo e material senescente. A estimativa da qualidade da forragem consumida pelos animais foi feita pelo método do pastejo simulado. O desempenho dos animais e as características de carcaça não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os níveis de inclusão de torta de crambe estudados. Deste modo, não foram influenciados os pesos e os rendimentos de carcaça, os cortes comerciais brasileiros, as medidas morfométricas, as características do lombo, a espessura de gordura da carcaça, a gordura perirenal-pélvica, bem como a quantidade de carne aproveitável total. A substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de crambe até 15% no suplemento concentrado não afeta o desempenho e as características de carcaça de vacas terminadas a pasto.

The influence of the replacement of soybean meal by crambe crushed in concentrated supplement at proportions 0, 5, 10, 15%, on the performance and carcass traits of grazing cows is assessed. Within a completely randomized design, twenty Nellore cows, fed on Brachiaria humidicola, were supplemented during the rain-drought transition period and monitored with regard to weight and body conditions every 28 days. Total forage mass and percentages of leaf, stem and senescent material were quantified in loco. The estimation of forage quality consumed by animals was performed by the simulated grazing method. There were no significant differences between the levels of inclusion of crambe crushed on animal performance or carcass characteristics. Replacement did not affect weight, carcass yield, Brazilian commercial cuts, morphometric measures of carcass, characteristics of loins, thickness of carcass fat, perirenal-pelvic fat and total meat. Replacement of soybean meal by crambe crushed up to 15% in the concentrated supplement does not affect performance and carcass characteristics of cows finished on pasture.

The natural additive products (propolis or essential oils), in replacing antibiotics, could be used as an alternative for feed strategies to improve animal production. This work was performed to evaluate the effect of natural additives as propolis or essential oils on meat quality of crossbred (Aberdeen Angus vs. Nellore) bulls. Thirty bulls were kept in feedlot (individual pen) for 55 d and randomly assigned to one of three diets (n = 10): control (CON), propolis (PRO), or essential oils (OIL). CON diet consists of corn silage (45% DM) and concentrate (cracked corn, soybean meal, glycerin, limestone, and mineral salt, 55% DM). The PRO group received same CON diet plus 3 g animal-1 d-1 of propolis premix added to the concentrate. The OIL group received same CON diet and 3 g animal-1 d-1 of a premix (cashew Anacardium occidentale L. and castor Ricinus communis L. oils) added to the concentrate. Fat thickness (5.0 mm), pH (5.9), Longissimus muscle area 58.0 cm², marbling, texture, color (L* = 36.6, a* = 17.3, and b* = 5.9), lipid oxidation (0.08 malonaldehyde kg-1 meat), and Warner-Bratzler shear force (3.3 kg) were unaffected by the diet. PRO and OIL diets had no effect neither on moisture (73.7%), ashes (1.1%), protein (23.8%), and lipids (1.7%), fatty acid composition or polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (PUFA/ SFA, 0.13), and n-6/n-3 ratio (6.9) on Longissimus muscle. Addition of natural additives as propolis extract or cashew and castor oils in the diet of bulls when they are finished in a feedlot did not change meat qualities.

Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da adição de própolis e óleos essenciais sobre o desempenho animal, ingestão de alimentos, digestibilidade aparente, características de carcaça de bovinos não castrados terminados em confinamento. Trinta bovinos (½ Aberdeen Angus vs. ½ Nelore) foram designados ao acaso para uma das três dietas (Controle - CON, Própolis - PRO e Óleos essenciais - OIL) e mantidos em confinamento (baias individuais) durante 55 dias. A dieta CON era composta de 45% de silagem de milho, 40% de concentrado (milho moído, farelo de soja, calcário e sal mineral) e 15% de glicerina. O grupo PRO recebeu a mesma dieta que o grupo controle mais 3 gramas animal dia-1 propolis seco adicionado ao concentrado. O grupo OIL recebeu a mesma dieta que o controle mais gramas animal dia¹ de óleos essenciais (óleos de mamona e caju) adicionados ao concentrado. O peso final, ganho médio diário, eficiência alimentar e peso de carcaça quente foram melhores para os bovinos suplementados com óleos essenciais e própolis do que para os animais da dieta controle. A ingestão de alimentos, digestibilidade aparente, conformação de carcaça e composição de tecidos não foram alterados pela adição de aditivos. A adição de própolis e óleos essenciais na dieta de bovinos melhorou o desempenho animal e peso de carcaça.

This work was realized to evaluate the effect of natural additives as propolis or essential oils addition on animal performance, feed intake, apparent digestibility and carcass characteristics of bulls finished in feedlot. Thirty bulls (½ Aberdeen Angus vs. ½ Nellore) were randomly assigned in one of three diets (control - CON, propolis - PRO and essential oils - OIL) and kept in feedlot (individual pen) during 55 days. CON diet consists of 45% corn silage, 40% concentrate (cracked corn, soybean meal, limestone and mineral salt) and 15% glycerine. The PRO group received same diet that control plus 3 grams to animal day-1 of propolis dry added to the concentrate. The OIL oils group received same diet that control and 3 grams to animal day-1 of essential oils (cashew and castor oils) added to the concentrate. Final weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency and hot carcass weightwere better for bulls supplemented with essential oils and propolis than for bulls fed control diet. The feed intake, apparent digestibility, carcass conformation and tissue composition were unaffected by the additives addition. The addition of propolis and essential oils in the diets of bulls finished in feedlot improve animal performance and carcass weight.