Carcass Characteristics and Beef Composition of Buffalo calves under the influence of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on feed and energy intake, feed efficiency, daily weight gain, carcass traits, quality and composition of meat in buffalo calves. Sixteen male buffalo calves of weighing 55+5 kg live body weight (approximately 16 + 2 wks of age) were purchased from local animal market located at a distance of 40 km from Tandojam, Pakistan. They were randomly divided into two groups, placing eight calves in control group on scientific balance ration containing 18% crude protein and eight in treatment group on scientifically balanced ration containing 18% CP and rbST treatment @ 1.0 mg/kg b.w. Data was collected on the proforma starting from 20 weeks and continued for (36 wks) at veal stage and 52 weeks at beef stage. The body weight gain significantly enhanced (P<0.01) in rbST treated calves as compare to control calves. The body condition score (BCS) showed transient increase in rbST treated calves but there was no significant difference in BCS of rbST treated and control calves. The carcass physical and chemical characteristics of beef were significantly different from control group animals than rbST treated animals. It is concluded that the use of rbST as growth promoter has enhanced beef quality, quantity and net profit in buffalo calves.