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At light
weights, fat deposition begins rather slowly, then increases
geometrically when muscle growth slows as the animal approaches
physiological maturity. Muscle comprises the greatest proportion of
non-water body weight, during the production of young slaughter
animals. Bone has a smaller relative growth rate that either fat or
muscle. Because of the relative growth rates, the ratio of muscle to
bone increases as the animal increases in weight.
Effects
of Frame Size:
The rate of maturity (sometimes referred to as breed types or
biological types) has a marked influence on carcass composition at
similar live weights. The earlier maturing types increase fat
deposition at lighter weights than either the average or later
maturing types.
Effects
of Sex:
The effect of sex is primarily on fat composition, although there
are differences among species. Heifers deposit fat earlier than
steers or bulls. Bulls are usually slaughtered at lighter weights
(100 - 200 lbs. less) than steers, but have a similar fat-to-lean
composition. Swine are different from cattle as barrows are fatter
than gilts or boars at similar slaughter weights. The reason for the
species difference is not known at the present time.
After an
animal reaches maturity, it may have large fluctuations in body
weight simply by increasing or decreasing the amount of fat or water
that is stored. This increase in weight due to fattening is not true
growth because no net increase in body protein occurs. In fact,
animals tend to lose body protein as they grow older. The loss of
body protein is one of the characteristics of the aging process.
We must
conclude, despite the hype and mass advertising of the show
industry, that not every animal will be or can be a show champion.
However, if we evaluate animals of equal genetic potential, sex and
environment, we have only one major variable among these animals and
that is nutrition. In this paper we will attempt to dispel many
myths and deliberate false hoods that are currently circulating in
the show industry with respect to fat metabolism and muscular
development.
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Education is the key to understanding how to get the most from your
animal's genetic potential. Please take the time to read and
understand the information offered to you by S.F.I.™
The
information in this section is for the championship competitor
who
knows what it takes to make a champion animal.
Nutritional Influences on
Muscular Development and Fat Metabolism
By J.E. Grogan
for SFI Show Feeds
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