Effect of pre- and post-pubertal castration on Piemontese male calves: I. Live and slaughtering performances

To evaluate the effect of different age of castration on live and slaughtering performances in Piemontese males a study was carried out on 24 cattle divided in 3 groups: EC—early castrated (5th month of age), LC—late castrated (13th month) and IM—intact males, reared under the same environmental condition until the same fattening degree, then slaughtered at 18 month of age. The animals were fed at the same energy and protein level. Live weight was recorded monthly and 18 linear body measurements were recorded at 18th month of age. Live performances and slaughtering data were recorded or calculated. Differences were found in live weight (higher in IM than EC and LC; P < 0.01), buttock girth, chest girth (both higher in IM than EC; P < 0.05) and shin girth (higher in IM and LC than EC; P < 0.05). The average daily weight gain was higher in IM compared to EC and LC (P < 0.01). The carcass weight was higher in IM than EC and LC (P < 0.01). Little differences were found between EC, LC and IM in some anatomical parts weights. No differences were pointed out in the dressing percentage. Castration of Piemontese bulls at 13th month of age do not improve live and slaughtering performances compared to animals castrated at 5 month of age, even if the LC linear body measurements are more similar to the IM than EC.