Production and Carcass Characteristics of Holstein-Friesian Bulls and Steers Slaughtered at 800 or 1,000 Pounds

Abstract

Holstein-Friesian bulls and steers were evaluated for meat production from birth until slaughtered at 800 or 1,000lb. Bulls reached slaughter weights faster (P<.01) than steers, consumed less total feed per group, and were more efficient in converting it into meat. The 800-lb cattle consumed 32% less total feed per group and required 87 fewer days to reach slaughter weights than 1,000-lb cattle. Bulls had a slightly lower (P<.05) dressing percentage, due to their heavier hides (P<.05) and to the fatter (P<.01) steer carcasses.Bulls had a larger percentage (P<.01) rib eye than steers, the difference being more pronounced at 800lb. Wholesale cuts expressed as per cent of chilled carcass weight showed an advantage in hindquarters for 800-lb cattle (P<.01) and for steers (P<.01). This advantage for steers, however, was due to a higher per cent flank (P<.01) and kidney knob (P<.01) and was less pronounced at 1,000lb. Bulls and 800-lb cattle had an advantage (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively) in per cent desired cuts due to a greater percentage of round (P<.01) and chuck (P<.01).No differences among groups were obtained in carcass conformation scores. Steers had higher marbling (P<.01) and texture (P<.05) scores, more (P<.01) outside fat covering, and lower (P<.01) specific gravity than bull carcasses.