Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile in Crossbred (Bos taurus vs. Bos indicus) Young Bulls Finished in a Feedlot

This study was conducted to determine the effect of breed on the chemical composition of first (PURI) and second (PUR2) generations of Puruna young bulls, and to compare both generations with different genetic groups: CAN vs. ANG CAR, and CHA vs. CAR. Thirty bulls were used. The animals from the PUR2 and CHA vs. CAR genetic groups featured higher (p<0.05) moisture percentage in comparison to the PURI, CAR and CAN vs. ANG groups. The moisture percentage was similar (p>0.05) between PUR2 and CHA vs. CAR animals. The same was observed among the PUR1. CAR, CAN vs. ANG and CHA vs, CAR animals. There was no difference (p>0.05) among genetic groups for ash, total lipids and total cholesterol. The PURI, CAR and CAN vs. ANG specimens had higher (p<0.05) crude protein percentages as compared to PUR2 and CAN vs. CAR animals. The fatty acid profile was different (p<0.05) among genetic groups. However, the percentages of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, n-6, n-3, PUFA:SFA, and n-6:n-3 were similar (p>0.05) among genetic groups.