Effect of zinc and EDTA as additives on productive performance and carcass traits of buffalo male calves

Abstract EN

Twenty male buffalo calves ranged between 8-12 months of age with an average body weight (194.5±6.85 kg) were used to study the effect of adding Zn and EDTA as additives on growth performance and carcass characteristics.

Animals were divided randomly into four groups (n=5) according to their average weight, the 1st group, (T1) fed on basal diet +1g zinc (Several zinc) /calf/day, the 2nd (T2) fed on basal diet which supplemented with 1g EDTA /calf/day, the 3rd (T3) fed on basal diet +1g zinc +1g EDTA /calf/day, and the 4 th (C, control group) fed on basal diet only.

Calves of T1 and T3 were gained more weight than (C) by 15.8 and 4.0%, respectively while T2gained less by 4.1% as compared with control.

The average daily gain, feed intake and gain: feed ratio were not affected significantly by adding Zn or EDTA additives during the feeding trial.

Dressing percentage (hot carcass weight basis), head, legs weight and edible meat weight did not differ among groups, while the weight of lunges, spleen and tests were differed significantly (P<0.05).

The highest value of edible meat content was detected of EDTA, zinc and EDTA+zinc groups by 27.15, 21.47, and 11.09%, respectively compared with control group.

Zinc group had attained the highest meat (P<0.05) of high priced cuts than EDTA, EDTA+zinc and control groups.

Results revealed that the differences among groups in best ribs components were insignificant.

The carcasses of (T1) and (T3) groups recorded higher boneless meat percentage; (T1) group was higher for coefficient of meat ratio.

The differences among treated groups in chemical composition and physical traits of L.

dorsi muscle (9-10-11th rib) were significant in fat%, ash%, and pH value and non-significant for protein%, tenderness, and water holding capacity.

Rib eye area was higher (P<0.05) in calves fed zinc compared with the other groups.

The increasing rib-eye areas in calves fed zinc may be explained by the greater carcass weights in the zinc treated group relative to the other groups.