Effects of pigeon pea-grass intercropped pastures on enteric methane emissions, carcass traits and meat quality in Nellore cattle.

This study evaluated the effects of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, carcass traits, commercial cut yields, and meat quality of Nellore cattle. Twenty-seven uncastrated males were allocated in a completely randomised design to three pasture systems: degraded pasture (DEG), recovered with fertilisation pasture (REC), and pasture intercropped with pigeon pea (MIX). CH4 emissions were measured using the sulphur hexafluoride tracer technique. Carcass traits and commercial cuts were evaluated, and Longissimus thoracis steaks aged for 0, 7, or 14 days were analysed for pH, instrumental colour (L*, a*, b*), water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force. MIX and REC supported higher stocking rates than DEG and resulted in greater empty body weight, final carcass weight, and edible carcass portion. MIX increased the weights of the flank tip, edible forequarter and hindquarter portions, total bone, total edible carcass, tenderloin, and striploin compared with DEG. Methane emissions per hectare were lower in MIX than in DEG, while emission intensity, expressed as kg CO2-equivalent per kg of carcass, decreased by >40%. Pasture system did not affect carcass yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, rib eye area, or meat quality independently. Ageing affected all meat quality variables except a*, with pasture system × ageing interactions for L* and water-holding capacity. Intercropping tropical pastures with pigeon pea reduced enteric CH4 emission intensity per hectare, per kilogram of hot carcass, and per kilogram of edible portion, while increasing carcass production, edible carcass weight, and high-value cut yields without compromising beef quality.