Effect of feeding different forage and concentrate levels on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Aceh cattle

Abstract

Aceh cattle is one of the local cattle in Indonesia, traditionally maintained by smallholder farmers in Aceh. Improvement of feed quality become an important key to increase the productivity of Aceh cattle. This study was aimed to measure carcass characteristics and meat quality of Aceh cattle, fed by forage and concentrate at different levels. Twelve of male Aceh cattle were grouped into 4 treatments, based on different proportion of forage and concentrates (T1=70:30, T2=50:50, and T3=30:70). After 90 days, the cattle were slaughtered to obtain carcass and non-carcass weights. The meat was analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test for significant differences. The results showed that T1 had a lower slaughter and carcass weights than other. T2 had the highest carcass percentage compared to other (P<0.05). There were no significant differences on percentage of edible non-carcass and meat quality (pH cooking losses, moisture, fat content, and protein content of meat). However, there were significant differences (P<0.05) on tenderness and water-holding capacity and collagen content. It is concluded that proportion of 50:50 for forage and concentrate might be the best level for Aceh cattle.