J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1979. 49:683-692.
© 1979 American Society of Animal Science
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Retail Lean, Bone and Fat Distribution of Angus and Charolais Steers Slaughtered at Similar Stages of Physiological Maturity1

P. J. LeVan, L. L. Wilson, J. L. Watkins, C. K. Grieco2, J. H. Ziegler and K. A. Barber

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

Abstract

Data were collected on 32 purebred Angus and 32 Charolais (minimum 88% purebred) steers. Eight calves of each breed were slaughtered to provide initial carcass data. The remaining steers were randomly assigned to six slaughter groups in a 2 x 3 factorial design to evaluate breed and slaughter weight effects on retail lean, bone and fat yield and distribution. A diet composed of corn silage, cracked corn and soybean meal with an estimated DE content of 3.64 Mcal/kg DM was used. Angus were slaughtered at 267,408,476 and 542 kg and Charolais at 270, 527, 612 or 697 kg (initial, light, middle or heavy slaughter groups) corresponding to 86, 100 and 114% of the mean cow weight of the respective breed. Means for weight per day of age, daily gain and marbling scores were similar for Angus and Charolais steers of the same slaughter weight group. Wholesale and retail lean weights were generally heavier for Charolais steers and increased between slaughter weight groups for both breeds (P<.05 or P<.01). With the exception of bottom sirloin, round tip and round lean trim percentages, retail cut distribution (not presented) was not significantly affected by breed or slaughter weight within breed. Percentage retail lean was the same for Angus and Charolais final groups. However, estimated and actual RLRC (round, loin, rib and chuck) retail cuts per day were greater (P<.01) for Charolais steers only in the initial and light-weight slaughter groups. Total fat percentage was greater (P<.05) for Angus, but the Charolais advantage of less fat deposition was at least partly offset by Charolais higher (P<.05) bone content.

These results suggest that neither breed nor slaughter weight had marked effects on relative distribution of retail lean, fat or bone throughout the animal's body. In addition, although significant breed differences were noted for fat and bone content, differences in growth rate and retail lean were relatively minor when cattle were slaughtered at similar percentages of the corresponding breed average mature weight.

Footnotes

1 Contribution from the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, approved by the Director, PAES, as Paper No. 5579 in the Journal Series.

2 Present address: 15 Daniel Street, Medford, MA 02155.






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Copyright © 1979 by the American Society of Animal Science.