Abstract
Effects of four nutritional planes on carcass composition and muscle-bone ratio were investigated using forty-five Japanese Shorthorn steer calves. Four nutritional planes were designated as High-High, Medium-Medium, Medium-High and Low-Low. On high plane, steers were full fed, and on medium and low planes, their growth were controlled so as to gain about 0.75kg and below 0.60kg per day, respectively. The carcass of Low-Low group, compared to the other ones, produced more muscle and bone, and less fat on the same carcass weight basis. Muscle weight in the same carcass weight basis or in the same bone weight basis, did not differ significantly between Medium-High and High-High groups. In Low-Low or Medium Medium group, muscle-bone ratios relative to muscle plus bone weight were significantly smaller than those of Medium-High or High-High group.
