Desempenho, características de carcaça e da carne e análise financeira dos modelos de produção “boi china” e “carne premium”

Abstract

The progressive production of beef in Brazil is accompanied by increased market competitiveness. In view of this, there is a need to differentiate the meat product to be marketed. Thus, the objective was to evaluate two production models for cattle finished in confinement: “China Ox” and “Premium Beef”. Animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and financial analysis were studied in each cattle production model. A total of 1038 cattle confined in 10 pens were used, in which the pen was the experimental unit. Two different cattle production models were transferred: (1) “China Ox”: entire male Nellore cattle slaughtered at 24 months of age. (2) “Premium Beef”: female F1 cattle 50% Angus x 50% Nellore and slaughtered at 18 months of age. The two finishing systems presented the same (p>0.05) average daily weight gain, dry matter intake in kg/day and feed efficiency. Dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight and confinement period were higher (P<0.05) for “Premium Beef”. “China Ox” presented higher (P<0.05) final carcass weight, average daily carcass gain and carcass yield, and larger loin eye area. Regarding meat quality, “Premium Beef” presented better marbling and color (p<0.05), but with lower shear force. Regarding financial aspects, “China Ox” presented lower (p<0.05) total operating cost and cost per kilo of carcass produced. However, the two production models were equal (p>0.05) for cost per arroba produced, total cost and net revenue, when considering the bonus for each production model. “Premium Beef” presents better meat quality (marbling and tenderness). The production models show the same net revenue when the bonus offered is 5% for “China Ox” and 12% for “Premium Beef”. Without the bonus, the production of “Chinese beef” is more economically viable.