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Body Measurements, Subjective Scores and Estimates of Certain Carcass Traits as Predictors of Edible Portion in Beef Cattle¹

South Dakota State University, Brookings

Abstract

Data from 745 grade Hereford steers from 84 sires were used to evaluate slaughter weight, 18 body measurements, 16 subjective scores and five estimates of certain carcass traits in predicting edible portion of beef cattle carcasses. All independent variables were not measured every year so four different groups were studied. Slaughter weight had the highest intra-subclass correlation with edible portion in all groups and controlled from 75 to 88% of the variation in edible portion. Body measurements were of little value in predicting edible portion, as slaughter weight and all measurements controlled from only 2 to 4% more variation in edible portion than slaughter weight alone. Slaughter weight and all estimates controlled 6 and 7% more variation in edible portion than slaughter weight alone. Estimated fat thickness had the largest standard partial regression coefficient of the estimates and in combination with slaughter weight controlled 5 and 4% more variation in edible portion than slaughter weight alone. Slaughter weight and all scores controlled from 2 to 6% more variation in edible portion than slaughter weight alone. Final condition had the largest standard partial regression coefficient of the scores and in combination with slaughter weight controlled 3% more variation in edible portion than slaughter weight alone. Three prediction equations for edible portion were developed using slaughter weight alone and either final condition or estimated fat thickness in combination with slaughter weight. These equations controlled from 76 to 80% of the variation in edible portion.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station as Publication No. 824 of the Journal Series. Cooperative with A.R.S., U.S.D.A. and a contribution from Regional Projects NC-1 and NC-58.

² Present address: Am. Int. Charolais Assn., Houston, Texas.