The present work was aimed to evaluate the effect of mineral protein supplementation with addition of chromium attached to the organic molecule on the productive performance, carcass traits and beef quality in steers finished under grass conditions. For this, 18 Nellore and 18 F1 Brangus × Nellore steers were used, with 16 months of average initial age and slaughtered at 22 months, distributed equally into two treatment of mineral protein supplementation with and without addition of chromium attached to the organic molecule. There was no observed difference between genetic groups regarding the average daily gain (ADG). However, animals supplied with chromium showed better ADG (494 g) than control animals (420 g). There was no observed difference between experimental treatments regarding the rib eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness at the back and rump measured through ultrasound, reaching final mean values of 63.42 cm²; 5.46 and 5.58 mm, respectively. It was observed an average of 235 kg for hot carcass weight and 52.09% for dressing percentage, with a superiority for the chromium treatment (238 kg and 52.9%) versus control (231 kg and 51.2%), and without difference between genetic groups. Nellore and F1 Brangus × Nellore steers show equal beef production potential under grass conditions. Mineral protein supplementation with chromium attached to the organic molecule increases the weight gain and dressing percentage, not influencing the beef quality parameters evaluated in this study.
carcass; crossing; mineral; tenderness; ultrasound; yield
