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Effects of Sex Condition, Genotype and Diet on Bovine Growth and Carcass Characteristics^1,2,

US Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, NE 68933

Abstract

A study was made of growth performance and carcass merit of castrate or intact male Angus or Simmental cattle fed one of two diets differing in energy density. Response variables were statistically adjusted to a constant percentage of rib fat. Right sides of carcasses were electrically stimulated. Differences in live-animal weights between intact Angus and intact Simmental were greater (P<.01) than when the breed comparison was made within the castrated males. Differences in live-animal weights of Angus and Simmental cattle were also greater (P<.01) when the high-energy diet was fed than when the low-energy diet was fed. The earlier maturing Angus cattle, castrate males and cattle fed the high-energy diet attained the compositional slaughter point (33.5% rib fat) more rapidly and tended (P>.05) to have improved feed efficiency in comparison with Simmental cattle, intact males and cattle fed the low-energy diet, respectively. Hastening the fattening rate of an animal also reduced (P<.01) carcass maturity scores, brightened (P<.01) lean meat color, and improved (P<.05) firmness and texture of the lean. However, hastening the rate of fattening reduced (P<.01) carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. Although not statistically significant, the longissimus muscle of electrically stimulated sides tended (P>.05) to possess less heat ring and to be lighter in color, finer textured and softer.

¹ Mention of trade name, proprietary products or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.

² Appreciation is extended to Ms. M. Stones for her stenographic work.

³ USDA, ARS, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933.

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