Effect of weaning status on animal performance and meat quality of Rubia Gallega calves

Bispo, Esperanza; Monserrat, Lorenzo; González, Laura; Franco, Daniel; Moreno, Teresa

Abstract The effect of weaning calves at different ages (NW = not weaned, W5 = 5.5months old and W2 = weaned after being born and then fed with natural Holstein Friesian milk until 2months old), on animal performance and carcass and Longissimus thoracis muscle quality, was studied in 36 eight month-old Rubia Gallega calves. Feed ingestions, weight gains, slaughter (SW) and carcass weights (CW), carcass conformation and fat scores, and meat characteristics (24hours postmortem): colour, pH, water holding capacity, chemical composition and texture (Warner Bratzler (WB) test, sensory panel), were studied. NW calves showed the highest SW and CW (P <0.001). Yellowness (b*), redness (a*) and chroma (C*) were higher in NW than W2 calves (P <0.05). Shear firmness was higher in W2 than in NW and W5 veal. W2 veal was less elastic (P <0.05), tender (P <0.05) and juicy (P <0.01) than NW and W5 veal.