Bull-steer comparisons for growth and carcass traits

Data for this study was collected over a six-year period (1970 through 1975) on 217 bulls and 211 steers at the Bland Correctional Center, Bland, Virginia. Animals of this study were primarily cross-breds of Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Holstein and Simmental breeds. The objective of this study was to compare bulls and steers for growth and carcass traits. Bulls (220, 310, 449 kg) weighed more than did steers (204, 273, 381 kg) at weaning, 12 and 18 months of age, respectively, (P < .05), and scored higher on condition at weaning and 18 months of age (P< .05). Bulls (501, 281, 0.48 kg) were also heavier than steers (414, 219, 0.39 kg) for live slaughter weight, carcass weight, and carcass weight per day of age, respectively, (P< .05). Bulls and steers did not differ in ribeye area per 100 kg of carcass weight, backfat thickness, and marbling scores. Percent kidney and kidney fat per carcass weight was less in bulls (1.59%) than steers (2.58%) (P < .05). Bull carcasses graded low good whereas steer carcasses graded low to middle good. Armour tenderometer measurements were 8.25 kg and 7.09 kg for bulls and steers, respectively, (P < .05) , with any reading below 8.2 kg being of acceptable tenderness. Carcass yield grades were 1.29 and 1.90 for bulls and steers, respectively, (P < .05). The superior growth rate of bulls and the minimal sex differences in carcass quality renders the present market bias against bull beef questionable.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Science

Department dc:contributor.department

Animal Science

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1979

Author dc:creator

• Wyatt, Wayne Edward

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/70472

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/70472