The study was carried out to develop predictions equations of the physical and chemical composition of dairy calves carcass. Eighteen Holstein bulls calves weighing between 30 and 100 kg were used. Groups of six animals were slaughtered at birth, 50 and 110 days of age. The carcass was divided in forequarter, rib, hindquarter and 9-11th rib section and dissection of each part was carried out. The physical and chemical composition was determined by a direct method and prediction equations were adjusted to estimate the physical and chemical composition of the carcass by an indirect method. The data of physical composition of the 9-11th rib section were used to test the equation proposed by Hankins and Howe in young and immature animals. The physical composition of bone, muscle and fat, as well the chemical composition of water and ashes of the carcass were best represented by the hindquarter. However, the energy and protein chemical composition were represented better by the energy and protein composition the forequarter. The physical and chemical composition of the 9-11th rib cut was not a good estimate of young calves carcass.
cattle; prediction equations; rib cut
