Effects of supplementation strategies during the growing phase on meat quality of beef cattle finished in different systems

Abstract One hundred and twenty bulls were used in a randomized complete block design in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement; two supplements during the growing phase: mineral (ad libitum; MIN) or protein + energy [0.3% of body weight (BW)/animal/day; PRE] and two finishing systems: pasture plus concentrate supplementation (2% BW/animal/day; PASCO) and feedlot (25:75% corn silage:concentrate; FLOT). The supplementation strategy at growing phase did not affect (P > 0.050) the pH, shear force, sarcomere length and myofibrillar fragmentation index of the animals. Backfat thickness was increased and meat shear force was decreased (P