Administration of dexamethasone per os in finishing bulls. I. Effects on productive traits, meat quality and cattle behaviour as indicator of welfare
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
F. Gottardo, M. Brscic, G. Pozza, C. Ossensi, B. Contiero, A. Marin, G. Cozzi |
Publication/Journal: |
animal |
Keywords: |
beef cattle, behaviour, dexamethasone, growth performance, meat quality |
ISBN: |
1751-7311 1751-732X |
Abstract:
The study investigated the effects of prolonged oral administration of dexamethasone at a low daily dosage of 0.75 mg/head per day (Dexa) on beef cattle productive traits, behaviour and meat quality. In all, 14 finishing Marchigiana bulls were used in a trial that begun 56 days prior to slaughter, of which six bulls received treatment from day 5 to day 53, whereas the remaining animals were used for Control. The animals treated showed an increased average daily gain (1515v. 1177 g/head per day; P,0.05; s.e.d.548.54) and improved warm carcass dressing percentage (60.8%v. 59.7%; P,0.05; s.e.d.50.32). Behavioural observation did not permit a clear distinction between treated and Control animals since feeding and social behaviour were similar in both groups. The bulls treated spent less time lying (16.5%v. 34.6%; P,0.05; s.e.d.54.38) and grooming (6.7%v.11.9%;P,0.05; s.e.d.51.23), and this may indicate poorer welfare. No evidence of treatment was observed in other carcass traits, and redness was the only meat quality parameter slightly affected by corticosteroid administration.