LAUSR

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of castration on carcass and meat quality traits of Nellore cattle harvested after 0, 100 or 200 days on feed. Thirty-six Nellore calves averaging 256.1 ± 3.05 kg of body weight and 8.2 ± 0.07 months of age were used. Half of the calves were randomly selected for surgical castration one-week prior to weaning. Post-weaning calves were penned and adapted to a common finishing diet. Six bulls and six steers were selected to be harvested after 0, 100 or 200 days on feed. Carcass and meat quality traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments including two sex conditions and three harvest times. Castration by time on feed interaction was found (P   0.05) between bulls and steers, castration reduced (P > 0.05) shear force and increased myofibrillar fragmentation index of 14 days aged meat. Castration increased (P