Sustitución parcial del grano de maíz por grano de arroz con cascara en raciones de engorde de vacuno: Efecto del procesamiento y nivel de humedad del grano sobre la calidad de canal y carne

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of corn grain by Paddy rice or whole ricein fattening rations for steers, and the effect of processing of UNP (cracked vs ground) and moisture level (vs) on carcass and meat quality. Traditionally, corn grain is the main ingredient in intensive fattening diets due to its high energy value and digestibility. UNP was proposed as a potentially viable alternative, especially in adverse market situations or unfavorable weather conditions for the rice industry.

The study was carried out at the Intensive Meat Production Unit (UPIC) of the Mario A. Cassinoni Experimental Station (EEMAC) in the city of Paysandú, Uruguay. The experiment was conducted under confined conditions. The 48 steers were assigned in a randomized block design to one of four experimental diets: Hereford steers fed diets that differed in grain type (corn or GACC), degree of processing of the GACC (cracked or ground) and moisture level (dry or wet). Offered ad libitum for 89 days. The animals were slaughtered on a fixed date at the Casa Blanca slaughterhouse in the Paysandú department. The results showed that, although GACC has a different chemical composition than corn (specifically in terms of fiber content and energy content), the substitution of the latter for GACC did not significantly affect characteristics related to meat quality, such as tenderness, marbling, pH, muscle color, backfat thickness and ribeye area, as well as carcass quality variables such as carcass weight and yield.

The inclusion of GACC is proposed as an alternative to partially replace corn in feedlot fattening diets for steers, without negatively affecting carcass and meat characteristics, which opens an opportunity to integrate rice production with livestock.