A comparison of gain and carcass characteristics of straightbred and crossbred steers.
Post-weaning growth and carcass characteristics of 318 straightbred (139 Angus and 179 Hereford) and 77 crossbred steers (beef X beef, dairy X beef, and 3-way crosses) were compared under three different feeding regimes. Feeding the steers with a high concentrate ration increased the rate of gain and produced carcasses with higher dressing percentages, more fat but less high-priced cuts as compared to rations lower in the amount of concentrate. Crossbred steers were heavier at weaning, gained more in feedlot, and produced heavier carcasses with less fat but larger loin-eye areas and higher proportions of high-priced cuts. When compared to straightbred steers, beef X beef, dairy X beef, and 3-way crosses were significantly heavier at weaning and produced heavier carcasses with larger loin-eye area, less amount of fat and higher proportions of predicted retail yield. However, differences among the three crossbred groups for weaning weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat thickness, and retail yield were not statistically significant.
D000821:Animal Feed; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male