Linear regressions were developed to estimate the chemical empty body composition of cattle from three genetic groups (Caracu, CaS; Selected Nellore, NeS; and Control Nellore, NeC) using the physical and chemical compositions of the 9th-10th-11th rib section. Fifty six intact males (20 CaS, 20 NeS and 16 NeC) were slaughtered at 20-24 months of age. The content of water, protein, ether extract and ashes were determined in rib section and on samples obtained after grinding and homogenization of all body tissues (blood, hide, head + feet, viscera and carcass). The physical components muscle, fat and bones were also determined in the rib section. The best estimates of empty body components were obtained using the same estimator components as in rib section. The amounts of water and ether extract of the rib section accurately allowed to estimate the total water, ether extract and protein in the empty body of animals. The amounts of muscle and fat in the rib section allowed estimating with efficiency the total of water, ether extract and protein in the empty body of animals. To estimate the empty body total ashes three multiple equations were developed (one for each genetic group) with satisfactory coefficients of determination. These equations included as estimators the amounts of muscle and fat in the rib section. The physical and chemical compositions of the rib section can satisfactorily estimate the chemical components of the empty body of animals. Equations described in the literature can estimate with precision the amounts of ether extract and water in the body empty of animals of this study.
body composition; bovines; indirect determination; rib section
