Objective

: To evaluate the effect of biotype on the productive performance and beef quality of bulls under silvopastoral system of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Witt variety Perú.

Materials and Methods

: Fifteen animals were used per treatment during 195 days of the dry season (October-May). Two treatments were designed: 1) genetic group Zebu under grazing ad libitum + energy complementation, 2) genetic group Siboney de Cuba under grazing ad libitum + energy complementation. A mixed linear model was applied, in which the biotype was included as fixed effect, and the system and residual error as random effects. The live weight, average daily gain, weight increase and yield per hectare were determined. On the samples taken from the Longissimus dorsis muscle, the beef color, as well as water holding capacity and acidity, were measured.

Results

: Differences were found (p < 0,05) for the weight at slaughter, mean daily gain, weight increase and yield per hectare, in favor of the Zebu biotype. The acidity, luminosity, red and yellow pigmentation of the beef did not differ from one group to the other. Differences were found (p < 0,001) in the concentration of acids C18:0 and C18:1, with the highest values in the Zebu biotype. Significant differences were also observed (p < 0,001) in the concentration of myristic and palmitic acid (C14:0 and C16:0, respectively). However, the highest amount was obtained in Siboney de Cuba.

Conclusions

: The Zebu group, under the conditions of this research, showed better productive performance, although between both groups there were instrumental values of beef quality which were close; nevertheless, in both genotypes, the percentage values of saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were similar.

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