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Quantitative and Qualitative Carcass Characteristics of Straightbred and Reciprocally Crossed Angus, Charolais and Hereford Steers

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative carcass data for 139 short-fed and 148 long-fed steers from a crossbreeding experiment were used to estimate the amount of heterosis exhibited by nine different traits. The experiment involved Angus, Charolais and Hereford breeds and all possible reciprocal two-way breed crosses.

Significant breed of sire, breed of dam and management effects (length of full-feeding period) existed for carcass weight, percent retail cuts and percent fat trim. Carcasses of progeny from Charolais sires and dams were heavier, had larger longissimus muscles, less fat thickness at the 12th rib, less fat trim and greater percentage retail cuts than carcasses of progeny from Hereford or Angus sires and dams. Progeny from Hereford sires and dams had less kidney, pelvic and heart fat on the average, whereas progeny of Angus sires and dams had less bone, and higher carcass quality grade than progeny of the other two breeds but Angus steaks were generally less tender.

² Deceased.