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Growth and Compositional Characteristics of Young Bulls in Diverse Beef Breeds and Crosses¹

University of Nevada, Reno, 89557

Abstract

Growth and carcass composition of young bulls (n = 298) representing divergent breed types, including Bos taurus and Bos indicus x Bos taurus crosses, were evaluated. Breed groups were straightbred Hereford and Red Poll, Hereford x Red Poll reciprocal crosses, Angus x Hereford, Angus x Charolais-Cross, Brahman x Hereford and Brahman x Angus. Breed group variation was important (P<.01) in all traits studied except color of lean. Angus x Charolais-Cross bulls ranked highest for most major traits, but their carcasses were leaner and received relatively low quality scores in comparison with other breed types. Brahman x Angus bulls were fatter and graded higher than contemporaries; however, they ranked lower in cutability and were only average in estimated yield of edible product/day of age. Straightbred Herefords were below all other groups in edible cuts/day, but tended to excel in feed efficiency. Hereford crosses and straightbred Red Poll were generally intermediate in the traits that were evaluated. A diallel analysis of Hereford-Red Poll matings showed positive (P<.05) heterosis in feedlot gain, M. longissimus area, final feedlot weight (P<.01), dressing percentage, carcass weight, backfat thickness, and yield of edible cuts/day. The Red Poll breed exhibited superior maternal influence on growth and yield traits of young bulls; Herefords tended to transmit genes for faster growth, thicker backfat and less kidney fat. Increasing the length of the feedlot period resulted in higher marbling and carcass quality scores; however, growth traits, cutability and color of lean of young bulls were affected negatively.

¹ Contribution from the Agr. Exp. Sta., Univ. of Nevada, Journal Ser. No. 544.

² Present address: Univ. of Arizona, Tucson 85721.

³ Present address: Wendel, CA 96136.

⁴ Technical assistance by Bill Reeder and Edward Dunn, Meats Lab. and Don Albert and Art Cerfoglio, Main Station Field Lab., is appreciated. Susan Bailey Dow assisted with data processing.