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Producing Beef From Intact Male Progeny of Holstein Sires: Feed Efficiency and Compositional Characters

National Institute of Animal Science, Postboks 39, Ørum Sønderlyng 8833, Denmark

Abstract

Feed efficiency and carcass composition of F₁, Holstein x Friesian bulls (N = 260) were evaluated. Animals received one of four nutritional regimens (100, 75, 50 or 25% concentrates) and were serial-slaughtered at 340, 470 or 600 kg live weight. Bulls slaughtered at heavier weights consumed more energy per day, gained at a slower rate and were less efficient than those in the 340-kg group. Dressing percentage, conformation score and lean:bone ratio increased with heavier animal weight; lean:fat ratios were lower. Concentrate feeding at the 100 or 75% levels resulted in lower efficiency than that attained with 50 or 25% concentrates. Restricting the amount of concentrates in the diet caused a reduction in dressing percentage, conformation score and fat content of the carcass. There was evidence of sire variation in most of the traits studied; however, first-order interactions of sires with slaughter weight and concentrate level were not important. Numerous management options can be employed to alter beef characteristics of Holstein-type cattle.

¹ On sabbatical leave from the Univ. of Nevada, Reno 89557-004.