The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein quality of calves in four genetic groups (GG) fed on a basal diet (D1) or a diet with protected lipids (D2). PER (Coefficient of Protein Efficacy), NPR (Liquid Protein Ratio) and in vivo digestibility were analyzed for protein quality. The experiment was carried out according to a factorial scheme (four genetic groups X two diets) in a completely randomized design. The PER, NPR and digestibility and values did not differ (P > 0.05) and the average values ranged from 3.89 to 4.74 (98.06 a 119.34% in relation to casein); 4.80 to 5.65 (101.07 to 118.94% in relation to casein) and from 92.49 to 95.48 (97.24 a 100.39% in relation to casein), respectively. The protein quality of the experimental groups presented high protein quality and were compared with the casein one, except for the group of genetic Aberdeen Angus X Nelore, fed on the protected diet, which presented a NPR value better than this.
meat protein; coefficient of protein efficacy; liquid protein ratio; in vivo digestibility
