(Determination of Optimum Slaughter Weights of Karacabey Brown Bulls)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine of optimum slaughter weights of Karacabey Brown bull. Twenty Karacabey Brown bull, aged 6 - 8 months, were allocated into three groups and each group consisted of 7, 6 and 7 animals. Initial average Live – weights of animals in each group were 197.6, 212.0 and 227.9 kg. Each group of animals were kept and managed in semi - open barn with a small yard (Loose housing} and given a pelleted concentrate diet (Crude Protein 13.83 %) and hay (CP 5.14 %) throughout the experimental period. Each group of animals were slaughtered at 400, 450 and 500 kg. Live - weight. Average fattening periods in the groups were 170.8, 197.6 and 230.7 days; and average daily Live - weight gains were 1207, 1225 and 1207 grams. Feed intakes (Concentrate+ hay) were 7.19, 7.69 and 8.26 kg/kg gain. Animals slaughtered at 500 kg. had greater dressing percentage (57.7 %), more first quality cuts and Less bone (15.5 %). It is concluded that 500 kg. Live - weight is suitable for slaughtering of Karacabey Brown bulls