Effect of immunocastration with Bopriva on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot Holstein bulls

To evaluate the effect of immunocastration on carcass and meat characteristics, Holstein bulls aged between 7 and 8 months with a live weight of 232 ± 1.19 kg were given two separate treatments, placebo (intact bulls) versus Bopriva, and then slaughtered after approximately 239 days of fattening. While the testosterone levels in intact bulls remained at 0.42 ng/ml throughout the study, by day 181, differences (P < 0.05) were observed in immunized bulls, with values of 0.21 ng/ml. The carcasses of animals treated with Bopriva recorded both a higher hot carcass weight (HCW) and a cold carcass weight (CCW), as well as higher dorsal fat density, marbling and KPH (P < 0.05); however, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the Longissimus lumborum area. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were recorded between the treatments for pH, L*, a*, b* C* and H*. The carcasses of the animals treated with Bopriva were heavier, with higher dorsal fat density and marbling score.