TI 10. Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) vs. Zebu type cattle. Commercial composition of carcasses from whole males by grade and carcass weights

Abstract

Thirty-three whole male water buffaloes of Murrah predominance and 18 Zebu type bulls (cattle) were savannah-fed on the same ranch to be compared in cutability at different carcass weight ranges and Venezuelan grades. Slaughter weight ranged from 435-512 kg for buffaloes and from 375-494 kg for cattle. Cattle yielded a higher (P<.05) proportion (+0.77 %) of the composite group of high-valued boneless cuts (due to a higher yield of rib, loin, rump, the eye of round and top round) although buffaloes exceeded (P<.05) cattle in proportion of tenderloin, knuckle, and bottom round. Buffaloes yielded more (P>.05) of the low-valued cuts (flank and bone-in shanks and rib plate). Non-significant differences were found between species for total trimmed fat, clean bone and the composite group of medium-valued boneless cuts from the chuck. Proportion of bone decreased (P<.05) as carcass weight surpassed 210 kg in both species. Significant Species x Carcass weight and Specie x Grade interactions were detected for some retail components. Commercial significance remains to be elucidated for the compositional differences observed.