Efficiency Measures and Feedlot Performance of Growing Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Identify animals that stand out in efficiency and performance is important for animal production, therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate efficiency measures, feedlot performance, and ultrasound measures of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The data were collected during 84 d from 75 animals (non-castrated; 314 ± 117 kg of initial BW and 390 ± 58 dof age) of 3 genetic groups (GG; n=25 for each: Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah). The animals were allocated into 3 feedlot pens by GG. Total mixed ration (30:70, corn silage:concentrate) and water were offered in automated feeding and water stations (Intergado®, MG, Brazil). Individual DMI was recorded daily, and ADG was calculated from the difference of final and initial BW divided by 84 d. Data were analyzed used the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and the statistical model included the fixed effect of GG. Jafarabadi group had greater values for final BW (473.47, 423.54, 418.76 kg for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P = 0.03), ADG (1.72, 1.41, 1.34 kg for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P < 0.01), and hip height (1.36, 1.29, 1.28 m for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P < 0.01), and no differences were observed between Mediterranean and Murrah groups. Dry matter intake did not differ (P > 0.28) among GG. However, group effect were detected for G:F (0.20, 0.17, 0.16 kg/kg for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P < 0.01), residual feed intake (-0.40, 0.12, 0.13 kg of DMI/d for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P = 0.01), residual gain (0.22, -0.05, -0.08 kg/d for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P < 0.01) and residual intake and gain (0.48, -0.17, 0.11 for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P = 0.01) which were all greater for Jafarabadi group whereas no differences were found between Mediterranean and Murrah groups. Jafarabadi and Murrah groups differ of the Mediterranean group for ribeye area (49.04, 43.73, 48.09 cm² for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P = 0.03) and rump fat thickness (7.88, 6.10, 7.64 mm for Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah, respectively; P = 0.03). No group effect was observed (P = 0.14) for backfat thickness. In conclusion, the results indicate that the genetic group has effect on efficiency measures and feedlot performance of water buffaloes. The Jafarabadi group had greater values for feed efficiency measures and feedlot performance. Supported by FAPESP #2014/05473-7 and #2015/04542-8.