The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of concentrate level and calcium salts of fatty acids (SCAG) on performance and meat quality of feedlot finished steers. Sixty Nellore and Nellore crossbred steers were distributed in four groups and fed for 85 days with one of the following diets: BC) diet containing 46.7% of concentrate; (BC-SCAG) LC diet plus 3% of SCAG; (AC) diet containing 76.6% of concentrate and (AC- SCAG) HC diet plus 3% of SCAG. Concentrate level did not affected average daily gain, subcutaneous fat thickness and ribeye area, but AC diets increased carcass weight (P=0.0011), dressing percentage (P<0.0001) and shear force (P=0.0438). SCAG increased average daily gain in AC (P=0.0311) but not in BC diets. Animals fed with SCAG diets showed greater carcass weight (P=0.0133) and dressing percentage (P=0.0160) with no differences on fat thickness, ribeye area and shear force. High concentrate diets and SCAG improved quantitative carcass traits (weight and dressing percentage) of finishing cattle and can be used as alternative to improve the efficiency of the production system.
beef cattle; carcass traits; feedlot performance; protected vegetable fat
