Evaluation of feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, carcass retail cut distribution, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and fatty acid composition of crossbred Jersey steers and heifers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This experiment investigated the effects of sire breed and sex on the feedlot performance, carcass yield, fatty acid composition, and tenderness of crossbred Jersey cattle. Materials and Methods Crossbred Jersey steers and heifers sired by Angus (n = 9, 11), SimAngus (n = 10, 19), and Red Wagyu (n = 15, 7) bulls were used in a randomized complete block design. Results and Discussion Adjusted to a similar initial BW, Angus- and SimAngus-sired cattle had a greater ADG (P ≤ 0.01) and average daily DMI (P ≤ 0.01), resulting in a greater off-test BW (P ≤ 0.04) and fewer days on feed (P ≤ 0.01) compared with Wagyu-sired cattle. At a similar adjusted hot carcass weight, carcasses from Angus-sired cattle had a greater fat thickness (P ≤ 0.01) and less kidney fat (P ≤ 0.01) compared with carcasses from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Sire breed did not affect total red meat yield (P = 0.32), fat yield (P = 0.28), and bone yield (P = 0.35). Warner-Bratzler shear force values were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for steaks from Angus-sired cattle compared with steaks from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Steaks from Angus-sired cattle had a greater marbling score (P ≤ 0.01) and percentage of total lipid (P ≤ 0.01) compared with steaks from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Implications and Applications Appropriate selection of a terminal sire breed will depend on where the producer intends to sell in the production chain, because different sire breeds excel in different growth and carcass traits.