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Influence of Zeranol Implants on Growth, Behavior and Carcass Traits in Angus and Limousin Bulls and Steers¹

University of Illinois, Urbana 61801

Abstract

A 2³factorial arrangement of treatments was utilized to determine effects of postweaning zeranol implantation, breed (Angus vs Limousin) and castration (bull vs steer) on growth, behavior and carcass traits. An initial slaughter group was used to account for breed differences in composition and to determine fat and lean growth in the 9-10-11th rib section (NTE). The remaining cattle were fed a finishing diet to a fat end point of .76 cm, as determined by a backfat probe. Control bulls outgained (P<.01) control steers both to the first kill date and over the entire test and did not require significantly more time to reach the fat end point. The implant did not influence gain in bulls but did increase gain in steers. Angus and Limousins were similar in growth rate for the first 126 d before the first slaughter date. Limousins required more (P<.01) time to reach the fat end point. Bulls and Limousins produced heavier (P<.01) carcasses and larger rib eyes (P<.05; bulls; P<.01; Limousins). Steers and Angus had higher (P<.01) marbling scores and lower bone maturity. Implanting decreased (P<.05) marbling and increased carcass maturity. Small but significant shifts in carcass wholesale cut weight distribution were found between breed and sex condition groups. Bulls and Limousins had greater lean growth in the NTE. Bulls and steers were similar in fat growth, but Angus exceeded Limousin in this trait. Zeranol reduced scrotal circumference (P<.01) and testicle weight at slaughter (P<.05). Breeds were similar in final scrotal circumference, but Angus had heavier (P<.05) testicle weights. Bulls were quieter (P<.05) during weighing and mounted more frequently in the pen (P<.01) than steers. Limousins mounted more frequently than Angus and maintained larger flight distances (P<.01).

¹ This research was supported by the Univ. of Illinois Agr. Exp. Sta. and by a grant from the International Minerals and Chemical Corp., Terre Haute, IN.

² Send correspondence to P. J. Bechtel, 205 Meat Sci. Lab., 1503 S. Maryland Drive, Urbana, IL 61801.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

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