Survey of Carcass Characteristics and the Estimated Economic Implications of Carcass Defects

Abstract

A quarterly carcass survey was conducted to identify baseline characteristics of the Texas Panhandle cattle population. Carcass data means (±SD) were as follows: USDA yield grade, 2.65 (±0.86); adjusted fat thickness, 1.19cm (±0.19 cm); hot carcass weight, 337.5kg (±91.1 kg); longissimus area, 86.0cm2(±12.3cm2); percent kidney-pelvic-heart fat, 2.09 (±0.45); USDA marbling score, 39.2 (±7.9); and USDA quality grade, High Select. Percentage of carcasses grading low Choice or greater increased as yield grade increased. A large proportion of carcasses surveyed were USDA Select, Yield Grade 2. Heifers had more desirable yield and quality grades than steers. Although no trends were evident, significant differences in USDA yield grade, fat thickness, hot carcass weight, longissimus area, and kidney-pelvic-heart fat were observed among the four collection periods; however, no difference was found for marbling score. Because of excessive Yield Grade 4, low quality grade, lightweight, carcass defects [dark, firm, and dry (DFD)], and excessive maturity discounts likely from an increased population of heifer carcasses, the frequency of carcass defects was almost twice as great in February as in May. Incidence and estimated economic impact per carcass associated with defects were as follows: USDA yield grade ≥ 4.0, 6.37%, $7.48; low USDA quality (quality grade ≤ High Standard) 5.34%, $8.62; outlying carcass weight (<250kg or >430kg) 3.01%, $4.09; excessive external fat (≥0.635cm trim), $69.12 (steers) and $61.26 (heifers); DFD, 1.31%, $2.69; other carcass defects, 0.69%, $1.59. Estimated decreased carcass values based on defects were $92.00 per steer and $84.14 per heifer.