ABSTRACT Two hundred seventeen grass-finished Braford steers were assessed by ultrasonic scanning and subsequently harvested with their pistol hindquarters fabricated into boneless wholesale cuts. The Longissimus thoracis muscle area and subcutaneous fat depths were measured. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop prediction equations for weights of the pistol hindquarter and high-value commercial cuts, and 2) to estimate sample size needed for experiments comparing pistol hindquarter retail product weight using either physically or ultrasonically measured carcass traits. Carcass measurements explained 44 % to 94 % of the variation in weights of individual cuts, whereas, measurements that were made using ultrasound explained 42 % to 90 % of the variation in the weights. Models used to predict the weight of pistol hindquarter retail product with carcass measures and ultrasound measures showed high coefficient of determination (R 2 = 0.92 and 0.97, respectively). Whether based on carcass or ultrasound measures, models used to estimate weight percentage of fat trimmed from the pistol hindquarter had lack of fit. In general, models for individual cuts weights that used traits measured with ultrasound as independent variables approached the accuracy of models using carcass traits. Thus, only slightly greater samples sizes were required to have equivalent power to detect differences in retail product weights using ultrasound measures. For experiments of equivalent power, differences in the number of animals required may be offset by avoiding costs for slaughter and fabrication.

The present study was conducted to assess carcass features, physicochemical and sensory parameters of meat from steers finished on three types of pastures: natural pasture; natural pasture improved, fertilized and oversown with winter species; and annual summer grassland. The experiment was conducted from December 14, 2009 to November 30, 2010, with treatments distributed in a completely randomized design with a different number of replicates. Animals were used as experimental units. Experimental animals were Aberdeen Angus steers with twenty months of initial age and 354±27.4 kg of live weight, on average. The highest average daily gains were obtained for the annual summer grassland. There was no effect of treatments on carcass conformation. The highest carcass yield was obtained on the improved natural pasture. Forequarter yield, side cut yield and longissimus muscle area were similar between the pastures. Moisture and total lipids were not affected by the pasture. Thawing and cooking losses were higher in improved natural pasture and lower in sorghum pasture. Regardless of the treatment, the meat had luminosity ranging from intermediate to dark, high in red, high in yellow, and considered within the normal range for beef. Meat of higher shear force was found in natural pasture, and lower shear force was observed in meat from annual summer grassland. Average live weight daily gain explained 18% of the shear force. Sensory evaluation by duo-trio test showed differences between samples from distinct pastures in flavor. All the studied systems allow for desirable characteristics in carcass and meat.

Avaliaram-se modelos estatísticos com diferentes pressuposições para definir o que melhor descreva a presença de interação genótipo × ambiente no ganho de peso pós-desmama ajustado (GPD345) de bovinos Hereford, mediante o estudo de normas de reação ao ambiente, obtidas por regressão aleatória, usando uma abordagem bayesiana. Quatro modelos hierárquicos de normas de reação (MHNR) foram empregados por meio do programa INTERGEN. O MHNR K utiliza as soluções de grupos contemporâneos estimadas previamente pelo modelo animal padrão (MA) e as considera como nível ambiental para predizer as normas de reação e o MHNR S, que estima simultaneamente esses dois conjuntos de incógnitas. Para ambos os modelos, foram consideradas duas versões, uma com variância residual homogênea (hm) e outra heterogênea (ht). Pelo critério de informação da deviance e fator de Bayes, o MHRN Shm apresentou melhor ajuste aos dados e, pela deviance baseada na ordenada preditiva condicional, o melhor ajuste foi do MHNR Kht, enquanto, pelos três critérios, o pior ajuste foi obtido pelo modelo animal padrão. As herdabilidades estimadas nos MHNR foram crescentes nos gradientes ambientais em GPD345 de -60; 0 e +60 kg. As correlações genéticas estimadas entre o nível e inclinação das normas de reação foram de alta magnitude, entre 0,97 e 0,99, caracterizando efeito de escala em interação genótipo × ambiente. Os modelos hierárquicos de normas de reação são eficientes para descrever as alterações nos componentes de variância decorrentes do ambiente e para descrever a presença de interação genótipo × ambiente na característica GPD345 em bovinos Hereford.

It was evaluated statistical models with different assumptions to define the one that best describes the presence of genotype × environment interaction on adjusted post-weaning weight gain (PWG345) of Hereford cattle, through the study of reactions norms to the environment, obtained by random regression using a Bayesian approach. Four reaction norms hierarchical models (RNHM) were used through the INTERGEN program. The RNHM K uses the solutions of contemporary groups previously estimated by the standard animal model (AM) and considers them as environmental level for predicting the reaction norms and the RNHM S, which jointly estimate these two sets of unknowns. For both models, two versions were considered, one with a homogeneous (hm) and another with a heterogeneous (ht) residual variance. Based on the deviance information criterion and Bayes factor, RNHMs hm showed the best fit to the data, and by the deviance based on conditional predictive ordinate, the best fit was the RNHM Kht, whereas, by all the three criteria used, the worst fit was obtained by using the standard animal model. Heritabilities estimated on RNHM were increasing in the environmental gradients for PWG345, at -60 kg, 0 and +60 kg. The genetic correlation estimated between the level and slope of reaction norms was high, from 0.97 to 0.99, characterizing a scale effect on genotype × environment interaction. The reaction norms hierarchical models are efficient to describe the changes in variance components due to the environment and to describe the presence of genotype × environment interaction on PWG345 trait of Hereford cattle.

Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de estimar parâmetros genéticos para as produções de leite, gordura e proteína do leite de vacas da raça Holandesa usando, respectivamente, 56.508, 35.091 e 8.326 registros leiteiros no dia do controle de 7.015, 4.476 e 1.114 vacas, filhas de 359, 246 e 90 touros. Os efeitos genético aditivo e de ambiente permanente foram estimados por REML. Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre de ordem 3 a 6. As variâncias residuais foram consideradas homogêneas ao longo da lactação. As estimativas dos componentes de variância apresentaram tendências semelhantes com o aumento da ordem do polinômio em cada característica. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram, respectivamente, de 0,14 a 0,31; 0,03 a 0,21; e 0,09 a 0,33 para as produções de leite, de gordura e de proteína. As correlações genéticas entre produções de leite, gordura e proteína do leite variaram de 0,02 a 1,00; 0,34 a 1,00 e 0,42 a 1,00, respectivamente. Os modelos com polinômio de Legendre de maior ordem são os mais adequados para ajuste da produção no dia do controle das três características produtivas.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk, fat and protein yields of Holstein cows using 56,508; 35,091 and 8,326 test-day milk records from 7,015, 4,476 and 1,114 cows, calves of 359, 246 and 90 bulls, respectively. The additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were estimated using REML. Random regression models with Legendre polynomials from order 3 to 6 were used. Residual variances were considered homogeneous over the lactation period. The estimates of variance components showed similar trends, with an increase of the polynomial order for each trait. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.14 to 0.31; 0.03 to 0.21 and 0.09 to 0.33 for milk, fat and protein yield, respectively. Genetic correlations among milk, fat and protein yields ranged from 0.02 to 1.00; 0.34 to 1.00 and 0.42 to 1.00, respectively. Models with higher order Legendre polynomials are the best suited to adjust test-day data for the three production traits studied.

Os totais de 56.508, 35.091 e 8.326 registros, respectivamente, de produção de leite, de gordura e de proteína no dia do controle foram usados para estimar parâmetros genéticos para seis medidas de persistência na produção de leite, de gordura e de proteína de vacas da raça Holandesa criadas em rebanhos do Estado de Minas Gerais. Os componentes de covariância para os efeitos genético aditivo e de ambiente permanente foram estimados via REML por modelos de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre de ordens 3 a 6. Em geral, os modelos com as mais altas ordens dos polinômios de Legendre apresentaram a melhor qualidade no ajuste desses registros produtivos. As estimativas de herdabilidade obtidas pelos modelos para as persistências nas produções de leite, de gordura e de proteína variaram, respectivamente, de 0,04 a 0,32; 0,00 a 0,23; e 0,00 a 0,27. Os valores das estimativas de correlação genética entre persistência e produções de leite, de gordura e de proteína, em 305 dias, variaram de -0,38 a 0,54; -0,39 a 0,97; e -0,78 a 0,67, respectivamente. A medida de persistência proposta por Jakobsen (PS2) é preferencial para uso em futuras avaliações genéticas para persistências nas produções de leite, de gordura e de proteína de animais da raça Holandesa no Estado de Minas Gerais.

Total numbers of 56,508, 35,091 and 8,326 records of milk, fat, and protein test-day yields, respectively, were used to estimate genetic parameters for six persistency measures on milk, fat and protein productions of Holstein cows reared in Minas Gerais state. Covariance components for additive genetic effects and permanent environmental effects were estimated by REML in random regression models using Legendre polynomials from the third to the sixth order. Overall, models with the highest orders of Legendre polynomials showed the best quality of adjustments of these productive records. Heritability estimates obtained by the models for persistence in milk, fat, and protein yields ranged from 0.04 to 0.32, from 0.00 to 0.23, and from 0.00 to 0.27, respectively. Values of genetic correlation estimates between persistence and total 305-day milk, fat, and protein yields ranged from -0.38 to 0.54, from -0.39 to 0.97, and from -0.78 to 0.67, respectively. Persistence measurement proposed by Jakobsen (PS2) is preferential for using in further genetic evaluations for persistence in milk, fat and protein yields of Holstein cows in Minas Gerais state.

Foram utilizadas 48 fêmeas suínas, para se determinar o rendimento de cortes comerciais, após abate e dissecação das carcaças dos animais aos 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 e 120 kg. Foram tomadas medidas ultra-sônicas in vivo para área de olho de lombo e espessura de toucinho. Os preditores utilizados para estimar o rendimento de carne magra foram espessura de toucinho e área de olho de lombo, além das medidas feitas nos diferentes cortes, como peso do corte do pernil, peso do músculo do pernil, peso do músculo da paleta, peso do músculo do carré, peso do músculo da copa, e assim por diante, além dos dados de peso de músculo da carcaça total, peso da gordura da carcaça total, peso de ossos da carcaça total e peso de pele da carcaça total. Foram desenvolvidas equações de predição por meio de regressão linear simples e múltipla, a partir dos dados da dissecação e das medidas in vivo da área de olho de lombo, feitas por ultra-sonografia em tempo real. As equações de predição para quantificar os principais componentes dos cortes suínos tiveram ótimo ajuste, com R² superiores a 0,84 para músculos e desvio-padrão residual de 0,62 a 0,94. A técnica de ultra-sonografia em tempo real apresenta alta correlação com as medidas tomadas nas carcaças dos suínos e, por isso, estima a quantidade de carne na carcaça e o rendimento dos cortes comerciais com grande precisão. Concluiu-se que a técnica de ultra-sonografia em tempo real é acurada para predizer as principais características das carcaças dos suínos medidas in vivo.

Forty-eight female pigs were used to determine the commercial cut yields after slaughter of the animals at 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 kg and dissection of the carcasses. Life ultrasonic measures were taken to measure the longissimus muscle area and for backfat thickness. The predictors used to estimate the lean meat yield were backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area. Besides the measures made in the different cuts, as ham cut weight, ham muscle weight, palette muscle weight, and carré muscle weight and pantry muscle weight. Additionally, the data of the total carcass muscle weight, total carcass fat weight, total carcass bone weight and total carcass skin weight, were also used. Prediction equations were developed using simple and multiple linear regressions using the logistic model from the dissection data and from the live ultrasonic measure data. Prediction equations were developed through out simple and multiple linear regressions using a logistic model from the dissection and live measures made by real-time ultrasound technology data. The prediction equation to determine the amounts the main components of the meat pork cuts presented a great adjustment, with R² superiors to 0.84 for muscles, with residual standard deviation (RSD) 0.62 to 0.94. The real-time ultrasonograph technology presented high correlation with the measures taking in the pork carcasses and could be used to estimate the amount of lean meat in the pork carcasses and also to estimate the commercial pork cut yields with great precision. It was concluded that the real-time ultrasonograph technology is accurate to predict the main pork carcass traits measured in the live animal.

Foram utilizadas 48 fêmeas suínas abatidas aos 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 e 120 kg para determinar os rendimentos de cortes comerciais e de carne magra na carcaça, visando-se estimar área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de toucinho (ET), utilizando-se a técnica de ultra-sonografia em tempo real. Foram tomadas medidas ultra-sônicas in vivo, para AOL e ET; nas carcaças quentes, utilizou-se equipamento óptico da marca Hennessy, a fim de estimar a ET e profundidade de músculo (PM). As equações para estimar a quantidade de músculo na carcaça obtiveram R² entre 0,97 e 0,99, com desvio-padrão residual entre 0,27 e 0,73. Os valores de R² para área de olho de lombo, por ultra-som e pela medida direta nas carcaças, foram de 0,97 e 0,98, respectivamente, com desvio-padrão residual para as duas estimativas de 3,07 e 3,13. Os ajustes das equações para espessura de toucinho por ultra-som, espessura de toucinho óptico e espessura de toucinho medida diretamente na carcaça apresentaram R² de 0,99; 0,82; e 0,86, respectivamente, com desvio-padrão residual de 2,39; 3,13; e 2,91. As equações obtidas por regressões lineares e múltiplas, a partir dos dados da dissecação, ajustaram equações precisas para estimar rendimento de cortes comerciais e de carne magra nas carcaças de suínos entre 50 e 120 kg de peso corporal. A técnica de ultra-sonografia em tempo real é acurada para se estimarem a área de olho de lombo e a espessura de toucinho de suínos in vivo.

Forty-eight female pigs slaughter at 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 kg were used to determine commercial cut and of lean meat yields in pork carcass, with a view of the Longissimus muscle area and backfat thickness estimation by using the real-time ultrasound technology. Live ultrasonic measurements were taken for Longissimus muscle area and for backfat thickness and measures in the hot carcass were made, using optical Henessy equipment, to estimate the backfat thickness and Longissimus muscle depth. The regression equations to estimate the amount of muscle in the carcass obtained a R² between 0.97 and 0.99, with a residual standard deviation (RSD) between 0.27 and 0.73. The R² values for Longissimus muscle area obtained by ultrasound and for backfat thickness direct in the carcass, were 0.97 and 0.98, respectively, with a RSD of 3.07 and 3.13. The adjustment of the regression equations for ultrasound backfat tickness, for optical backfat tickness and for directly carcass backfat tickness measurement, presented R² of 0.99, 0.82, and 0.86, respectively, with a RSD of 2.39, 3.13, and 2.91. The fitted regression equations obtained by simple and multiple linear regressions from the dissection data set were precise to estimate commercial cuts and of lean meat of pork carcasses between 50 and 120 kg. The real-time ultrasonograph technology is accurate to estimate the Longissimus muscle area and backfat tickness in live animal.

Foram utilizadas 48 fêmeas suínas para se determinarem as curvas de crescimento de tecidos, após abate e dissecação das carcaças dos animais aos 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 e 120 kg. Os cortes realizados nas carcaças foram feitos de acordo com aqueles utilizados pela indústria. Em cada corte, separaram-se as quantidades de músculo, gordura, ossos e pele, para o cálculo de rendimento de tecidos. Foi utilizada a função alométrica estendida, para estimar e ajustar as curvas de crescimento. A quantidade de músculo na carcaça apresentou crescimento variando de 41,9 nos animais de 50 kg, a 44,1%, nos animais de 120 kg. A função alométrica estendida ajustou a curva para quantidade de músculo, com R² = 0,68 e desvio-padrão residual de 1,42. Os valores de R² para porcentagem de gordura foram de 0,80 e os de desvio-padrão residual, de 6,35, com aumento de 12,7 a 18,3% entre 50 e 120 kg. Quanto às curvas de crescimento para rendimento de cortes comerciais, os valores de R² foram variáveis, porém com desvios-padrão residuais baixos. Concluiu-se que a função alométrica estendida é acurada para estimar curvas de crescimento de tecidos calculados, em porcentagens do peso de suínos vivos abatidos entre 50 e 120 kg de peso corporal; a deposição de gordura é proporcionalmente maior que a deposição de tecido muscular; e os suínos depositam, em termos proporcionais, tecido muscular e gordura de forma crescente.

Forty-eight female pigs were used to determine tissue growth curves after slaughter of the animals at 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 kg and dissection of the carcasses. The lean cuts in carcass were made according to that used by Brazilian pork slaughters. In each cut it were separated muscle, fat, bone and skin amounts. The expanded allometric function was used to estimate and to fit the growth curves. The muscle amounts in carcass increased to 41.9% for animals at 50 kg and to 44.1% for animals at 120 kg. The expanded allometric function fitted the curve to muscle amount with R² = 0.68 and the residual standard deviation RSD = 1.82. The R² value for fat percentage was 0.80% and the (RSD) value was 6.35 with increase of 12.7% to 18.3% between animals at 50 to 120 kg. Concerning to the growth curves for the commercial meat cut yields, the R² value was variable, although with a RSD low. It was concluded that the expanded allometric function is accurate to estimate swine time growth curves calculated in percentage of weight of swine, slaughter between 50 and 120 kg and that fat deposition is proportionally higher than muscle deposition and that muscle and fat deposition, in percentage of carcass, increase from 50 to 120 kg.