The veal quality of Slovak Simmental breed in relation to sex

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sex on selected fattening, carcass and qualitative veal parameters of Slovak Simmental breed. The comparison was carried out on the 8 male and the 8 female animals. The animals were reared under the same housing conditions and were fed with grass hay (ad libitum), feed straw and calves feed concentrate, and had a free access to the fresh water. The fattening period started from about 70 days of age to required final weight. Length of the fattening period was 180 days. The slaughter and carcass composition, carcass yield, qualitative, physical and technological characteristics of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were studied. We found a significantly higher proportion of bones and a significantly higher proportion of separable fat in the carcass half in males. Higher proportion of meat were found in females. At the heifers was found, although not significantly, a higher proportion of internal fat (rumen, intestinal, kidney, pelvic). Significantly different pH measured 24 hours post mortem was found between males and females (P<0.01). Parameter of meat colour – lightness was higher identified in male calves at 24 hour and 7 days post mortem. Higher redness value was identified in female calves at 24 hour and 7 days post mortem.