J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1969. 28:607-611.
© 1969 American Society of Animal Science
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Influence of Sex and Sire upon Growth and Carcass Traits of Beef Cattle1

L. L. Wilson, J. H. Ziegler, J. L. Watkins, C. E. Thompson and H. R. Purdy2

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Abstract

Growth and carcass traits were measured on 80 steers and 94 heifers during a 3-yr. period and representing 13 year-sire subclasses. These data were analyzed to: (1) determine the importance of sire x sex interactions; and (2) evaluate the differences between steers and heifers slaughtered at similar ages. The Polled Hereford sires represented had placed highest in their respective classes at national shows from 1960 to 1963 and the dams were F1 Angus-Holstein crossbreds. A least-squares analysis was applied with sire and sire x sex effects nested within years. Sex differences in 205-day adjusted weights were greater than previously reported. The average slaughter ages and weights of steers and heifers were 447.1 and 448.1 days and 435.1 and 409.8 kg., respectively. Heifer carcasses had greater amounts of subcutaneous fat, lower percents cutability and trimmed round, and higher marbling scores.

Sire effects were significant for lean tenderness, l. dorsi area, cutability, and weights and percents of untrimmed and trimmed loin and round. Sire effects on the degree of fatness and indicators of carcass quality were less important than on muscling criteria. Sire effects on lean tenderness and the amount and distribution of muscling were generally as important as previously reported from studies based on random samples of genetic material. Sire x sex interactions were of little practical importance for all traits with the exception of 205-day weight. Examination of the individual sire-sex averages substantiated the linear relationship for other traits. This indicates that the relative number of each sex in progeny tests should not appreciably affect the accuracy if sire comparisons are made on an intra-sex basis or if sex adjustments are applied.

Footnotes

1 Journal Series of The Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station, Paper No. 3378.

2 The authors are grateful to the Pennsylvania Department of Justice, A. T. Prasse, Commissioner, Bureau of Correction, and A. C. Cavell, Superintendent, State Correctional Institution at Rockview, for granting permission for the use of animals, land, and labor. Acknowledgement is also given to the Leon Falk Family for support of graduate assistants and to P. J. Phillips, Jr., and R. D. Scarth for data collection during the initial period of the study.






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Copyright © 1969 by the American Society of Animal Science.