Desempenho zootécnico em cruzamentos de raças leiteiras e de corte

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the economic and zootechnical viability of crossbreeding Jersey dairy cows with beef breed sires, seeking a better utilization of surplus male calves from dairy production systems. Pure Jersey, Jersey x Purunã, and Jersey x Angus animals were evaluated under feedlot conditions, analyzing productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters. The results demonstrated that crossbred animals showed significant improvements compared to pure Jersey animals, especially regarding average daily gain, slaughter weight, carcass conformation, and fat finishing. Angus x Jersey animals stood out for presenting the highest average daily gain (1.331 kg/day), highest slaughter weight (469.4 kg), greatest subcutaneous fat thickness (5.66 mm), highest marbling score (9.86 points), and shorter feedlot period (105.3 days), indicating high potential for beef on dairy systems. Purunã x Jersey animals also showed satisfactory results, particularly related to carcass conformation (12.58 points), higher hot carcass yield (49.43%), and shorter finishing period (96.3 days), demonstrating rusticity and good productive performance. Pure Jersey animals showed lower average daily gain (0.875 kg/day), lower slaughter weight (415.0 kg), and longer feedlot period (144 days), although they maintained positive characteristics related to meat quality. It was concluded that beef on dairy crossbreeding systems were efficient in improving the zootechnical performance of cattle originating from dairy production systems, providing better productive indexes and superior carcass characteristics compared to pure Jersey animals.