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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 47 No. 2 179-185
© 1964 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Production and Carcass Characteristics of Holstein-Friesian Bulls and Steers Slaughtered at 800 or 1,000 Pounds1

J. E. Nichols, J. H. Ziegler, J. M. White, E. M. Kesler and J. L. Watkins

Department of Dairy Science, Department of Animal Industry and Nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

ABSTRACT

Holstein-Friesian bulls and steers were evaluated for meat production from birth until slaughtered at 800 or 1,000 lb. 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 800 lb. 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 1,000 lb. 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.

FOOTNOTES

1 Authorized for publication June 3, 1963, as Paper No. 2794 in The Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.






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Copyright © 1964 by the American Dairy Science Association ®.