The objective was to characterize cattle slaughtered from the region of Lavras - MG. In the public abattoir 720 bovines were identified and slaughtered from September 20th through November 20th of 2004. Variables such as: genetic origin, live weight, body condition, age, and sex were studied. At arrival, animals were weighed and classified according to their genetic origin. Before slaughter, their body condition (BC) was determined on a 1 - 9 scale. Reproductive status was observed during scratch and evisceration: castrated male, MC; intact male, MI; pregnant female, FG; and Non-pregnant female, FNG. Age was determined by the count of the permanent incisive teeth (p.i.t.). Most animals slaughtered during the survey were male, with predominance of the Girolando genetic group. Overall mean slaughter weight was 438.5 ± 115.97 Kg (n=720). Females (FG and FNG) were older (>48 months old) as compared to male animals, FNG had lower body condition scores (3, 4 and 5). Male (MC and MI), had good body condition scores. Most of slaughtered cattle in Lavras were characterized as non-specialized for beef production.
Beef cattle; slaughter; animal traits
