Carcass and meat properties of six genotypes of young bulls finished under feedlot tropical conditions of Mexico

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. V. Vazquez-Mendoza ◽  
G. Aranda-Osorio ◽  
M. Huerta-Bravo ◽  
A. E. Kholif ◽  
M. M. Y. Elghandour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Brown Swiss ◽  
Holstein Breed ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Score Point

The effect of six genotypes (Zebu = Z, European Brown Swiss = EBS, Holstein = H, Z × EBS, Zebu × American Brown Swiss = ABS, Z × ABS, Z × H) on carcass and meat characteristics of young bullocks finished under feedlot conditions was tested. The Z × ABS bullocks had the highest (P = 0.001) average daily gain. The highest (P = 0.017) final liveweight was observed with Z × ABS > EBS > H genotypes. The ribeye area was larger (P = 0.012) for EBS bullocks. Both H and EBS bullocks had lowest (P = 0.001) physiological maturity; although the H bullocks had higher (P = 0.006) pelvis and heart fat values. The best (P = 0.014) conformation was obtained with the Z × ABS and Z × EBS genotypes. The greatest amount of marbling (P = 0.001) was obtained with the H genotype. In general, the crossbred genotypes showed better feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, and it seems that Holstein breed could have a an advantage from the marbling score point of view.

scholarly journals Effects of steroidal implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and serum and meat estradiol-17β concentrations of Holstein steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Vilela Carvalho ◽  
George A Perry ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the blood and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (average initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg, 10 to 12 mo of age) were assigned to treatments: (i) implanted with 80 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 16 mg of E2 (Component TE-IS with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) at the start of the trial (day 0), and reimplanted with 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E2 (Component TE-S with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health) on day 84 of the experiment; or (ii) no implant. Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers in the middle (day 84) and at the end of the experiment (day 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting gain-to-feed ratio compared with nonimplanted animals. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P < 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle in implanted Holstein steers compared with that from nonimplanted Holstein steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P < 0.01) in serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations were not altered in nonimplanted Holstein steers, whereas E2 concentration increased (P < 0.01) after steers were implanted, regardless of implant characteristics. Serum E2 peaked at 28 days after the first implant and then rapidly declined after day 56. In summary, steroidal implants administered on days 0 and 84 increased DMI, ADG, HCW, and LM area in Holstein steers compared with nonimplanted steers due to increased serum E2 concentrations. However, these changes did not improve feed efficiency or other carcass characteristics.

98 What We Think We “know” About Beef X Dairy Crossbred Cattle in the Feedlot

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 53-54
Author(s):  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Early Maturing ◽  
Holstein Calves ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract To increase profitably, dairy farms across the United States have rapidly adopted breeding a portion of their cows to beef sires, generating crossbred progeny. The resulting progeny have, in some cases, increased the value of the calf to the dairy, due to their perceived potential for improved growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics for beef production. U.S. research is behind our European counterparts in recommending the appropriate beef sires for dairy matings, and U.S. semen trends show Angus sales over many other breeds. However, Kempster et al. (1982) reported that calves sired by British breed bulls were actually at a disadvantage in growth performance compared to even purebred Holstein calves. Finnish researchers agreed, reporting that the resulting crossbreds from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford bulls were extremely variable, making them undesirable for beef production. However, resulting crossbred calves from late maturing breed types (Charolais, Limousine, and Simmental) had better average daily gain and carcass characteristics than their counterparts from early maturing breeds (Huuskonen et al., 2013). A comprehensive review of early crossbred systems similarly suggested that calves sired by Continental breeds, like Charolais, had an advantage in the feedlot and the packing house (Shank, 2003). Going a bit further, another European study examined the used of 3 beef breeds (Belgian Blue, Limousine, and Galacian Blonde) known for heavy muscling, but not common in the United States, for use as crossbreeding sires (Fouz et al., 2012). Holstein cows bred to Belgian Blue sires had the greatest difficulty calving; however, calving difficulties were reduced with increasing dam age (Fouz et al., 2012). Unfortunately, that trial did not go on to evaluate feedlot performance. Thus, there remains a dearth of scientific references for crossbred mating decisions as well as subsequent growth performance and carcass outcomes.

scholarly journals Growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of feedlot Holstein steers fed ractopamine hydrochloride1

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-117
Author(s):  
Cathy L Lockard ◽  
Chris J Richards ◽  
Caleb G Lockard ◽  
Maggie Youngers ◽  
Mariah A Woolsoncroft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Growth-promoting technologies such as implants, ionophores, and β-agonists improve feedlot performance, efficiency, and carcass characteristics of cattle. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of dose and duration of ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics when fed to Holstein steers. A randomized complete block design was used with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 RH doses (0, 300, or 400 mg∙steer−1∙d−1) fed for 3 durations (28, 35, or 42 d). Holstein steers (n = 855; initial body weight [BW] = 448 ± 37 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly allocated to 1 of 9 pens (15 blocks; 9 dose × duration treatment combinations) approximately 72 d before harvest. Weekly pen weights, chute temperament scores, and animal mobility were determined during the RH feeding period. At harvest, carcass data were collected on all steers, and tenderness was measured on steaks from 3 or 4 randomly selected steers from each pen and slice shear force (SSF) was determined on one steak selected from each side of the carcass after aging for 14 or 21 d. For feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and SSF, no dose × duration interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.11). With increasing RH dose, average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas BW gain increased linearly with RH dose and duration (P ≤ 0.01). Hot carcass weight (P = 0.02) and longissimus muscle (LM) area (P ≤ 0.01) increased linearly with increasing RH dose. The percentage of carcasses in the USDA Yield Grade 2 category increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) and percentage of carcasses in the USDA Yield Grade 4 category tended (P = 0.08) to decrease linearly as RH dose increased. In the 14-d aged steaks, the percentage of steaks with SSF ≤ 15.3 kg decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the percentage of steaks with ≥20.0 kg SSF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing RH dose. After 21-d aging, there was a tendency (P = 0.06) for a greater percentage of steaks from steers fed RH to have SSF ≥ 20.0 kg (2% of total steaks), but no difference (P ≥ 0.12) in the percentage of steaks with SSF ≤ 19.9 kg. Final chute temperament (P ≥ 0.45) and animal mobility (P ≥ 0.67) scores were not affected by feeding RH. Increasing the dose of RH (300 or 400 mg∙steer−1∙d−1) fed for 28 to 42 d before harvest increased ADG, G:F, hot carcass weight, and LM area when fed to Holstein steers with no negative effects on behavior or mobility. The percentage of steaks classified as not tender improved when steaks were aged for 21 d from steers treated with RH.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY ROUGHAGE LEVEL ON THE FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BULLS AND STEERS

1978 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. PRICE ◽  
G. W. MATHISON ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Digestible Energy ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Daily Gain

An experiment is described comparing bulls and implanted steers fed diets containing three roughage levels (20, 50 and 80% alfalfa–brome hay) with two pens of four cattle in each ’sex’ × dietary roughage level subgroup. Cattle were about 12 mo old and 230 kg at the start of the trial. Each animal was slaughtered when it reached 500 kg. No significant castration × roughage level interactions were found for any of the feedlot or carcass traits studied. Increasing the level of roughage in the diet resulted in a significant decrease in average daily gain (P < 0.01) and an increase in average daily feed (P < 0.01) and feed per kilogram gained (P < 0.01) to 500 kg. Differences in daily digestible energy (DE) consumption and DE and feed cost per kilogram gained were not significant. Increasing the roughage level reduced all measures of carcass fatness (P < 0.05) but had no significant effect on the muscle content. Castration significantly reduced growth rate (P < 0.01) and increased feed requirement per unit of gain (P < 0.05). Steer carcasses were lighter (P < 0.01) and fatter (P < 0.01) than those of bulls and had lighter sample muscle weights (P < 0.01) and smaller sample muscle:bone ratios (P < 0.01).

272 Managing for Efficiency and Quality Through Diet and Implant Strategies on Steers Selected for Superior Marbling

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 131-132
Author(s):  
Erika L Lundy ◽  
Aubree M Beenken ◽  
Patrick B Wall ◽  
Daniel D Loy
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Ribeye Area ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract A 144-day study assessed the effects of dietary energy and implant potency to determine optimum strategies for managing feed conversion (F:G) and marbling. Fifty-four Angus steers (327 ± 8 kg) from Iowa State University’s herd genetically selected for enhanced marbling were stratified by initial bodyweight (BW), ultrasound intramuscular fat, and age to a 2 × 3 factorial. Dietary treatments included: low energy (1.30 Mcal NEg/kg DM, 18% roughage level; LE) or high energy finishing ration (1.39 Mcal NEg/kg DM, 8% roughage; HE). Implant treatments (IMP; Merck) included: no implant (NOIMP), Revalor-IS (RIS), or Revalor-200 (R200) on d 0 and 74. Steers were fed via bunks capturing daily individual feed disappearance (n = 9 steers/treatment). Steers were weighed on d 0, 74, and 144 and harvested on d 145. Data were analyzed in Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effects of diet, IMP, and interaction. No interactions were observed for feedlot performance (P &gt; 0.17). Steers fed HE had greater average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than LE steers (P &lt; 0.01) while LE steers had greater F:G (P = 0.04). Final BW and ADG were greatest for R200, intermediate for RIS, and lowest for NOIMP (P &lt; 0.01). F:G was greatest for NOIMP, intermediate for RIS, and lowest for R200 (P &lt; 0.01). Steers fed HE had increased ribeye area (P &lt; 0.01) and tended to have greater marbling score (P = 0.06; 809) than LE steers (769). While ribeye area increased in response to implant potency (P &lt; 0.01), marbling score was not impacted (P = 0.21) by IMP (815, 771, 782, for NOIMP, RIS, R200, respectively). Overall, steers graded 100% Choice or higher and 55% Prime. These data suggest implants, when used appropriately, improve growth performance and efficiency in beef steers without compromising carcass quality.

scholarly journals Fetal programming effects of early weaning on subsequent parity calf performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack L Oattes ◽  
Taoqi Shao ◽  
Parker A Henley ◽  
Daniel W Shike
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Postnatal Growth ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Feedlot Performance

Abstract Mature Simmental × Angus cows [n = 147; body weight (BW) = 590 ± 72 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of early weaning on subsequent parity calf growth performance and carcass characteristics. Cows were assigned to one of two treatments based on their previous calf’s weaning age: early wean (EW) or conventional wean (CW). Dams assigned to the EW treatment had calves previously weaned at 88 ± 6 d of age, whereas dams assigned to the CW treatment had calves previously weaned at 185 ± 6 d of age. Cow BW and body condition scores (BCS) were monitored during the experiment. All cows were managed as a common group from the onset of the experiment at breeding until final pregnancy check of their next production cycle 462 d later. All calves in the experiment were managed as one group and weaned at a single time point, then feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Initial cow BW was different (P &lt; 0.05), so it was included as a covariate for cow BW analysis. There was a treatment × date interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for cow BW and cow BCS. Cow BW was consistently greater for the EW treatment from day 39 to the end of the experiment (P &lt; 0.01). Cow BCS were not different at the onset of the experiment (P = 0.20), although after breeding and throughout lactation, BCS diverged between treatments and the EW treatment consistently had greater (P &lt; 0.01) BCS than the CW treatment throughout the entire subsequent lactation. Gestation length was not different (P = 0.21) between treatments, yet calf birth BW was greater (P = 0.05) for the EW treatment. Neither artificially inseminated pregnancy percentage nor overall pregnancy percentage was different between treatments (P ≥ 0.61). Despite the greater birth BW for the EW treatment and no difference (P = 0.25) in milk production, weaning BW was not different (P = 0.50) between treatments. Feedlot performance measures were not different (P ≥ 0.13) between treatments, including feedlot arrival weight, final BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain to feed. Final carcass characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.33) between treatments, including dressing percentage, hot carcass weight, LM area, 12th rib fat thickness, kidney, pelvic, heart fat percentage, USDA yield grade, and marbling score. Thus, early weaning resulted in improved BW and BCS of cows as well as increased birth BW of subsequent calf, although that did not transpire into differences in postnatal growth performance or carcass traits.

Effects of castration and subdermal silastic implants containing oestradiol-17 β-dipropionate on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of male cattle

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Schanbacher ◽  
R. L. Prior ◽  
S. B. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Oestrogen Treatment ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Serum Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Daily Gain

ABSTRACTFeedlot performance and carcass characteristics were examined in bulls and steers with and without a subdermal Silastic capsule containing oestradiol-17β-dipropionate. Castration and/or oestrogen treatment was imposed at approximately 8 months of age. The implants were removed 56 days before slaughter, i.e. 140 days after the trial commenced. Bulls gained more rapidly (12·9%), converted food to live-weight gain more efficiently (18·0%) and yielded leaner carcasses than did steers (P < 0·05). The oestrogenic implant elevated serum oestradiol concentrations substantially (> ninefold) over that of bulls and steers and induced a castration-response in the former. Serum luteinizing hormone, testosterone and testicular growth were suppressed (P < 0·05) during the first 140 days of the trial in bulls, but returned to normal following implant removal. This response was paralleled by a reduction in average daily gain (P < 0·05) and food: gain ratio (P < 0·10). Contrary to expectations, average daily gain and food: gain ratio were not significantly improved in implanted steers. Oestrogen treatment reduced hot carcass weight, loin eye area and quality grade in both bulls and steers; the last as a result of decreased marbling and internal fat deposition. Results of this study suggest that excessive oestrogen as provided in this study via the implant fails to improve feedlot performance and carcass merit in steers and may, in fact, diminish the inherent anabolic attributes of the intact male. Additional studies are required to understand the complex interactions of androgens and oestrogens in the regulation of body growth and composition of male cattle.

scholarly journals 401 Effect of zinc source and ractopamine hydrochloride on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed in confinement to harvest

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
John Wagner ◽  
William T Nelson ◽  
Terry Engle ◽  
Jerry Spears ◽  
Jeff Heldt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Zinc Source ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Ractopamine Hydrochloride ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Four hundred and thirty-two beef steers (346.3 ± 63.7 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of Zn source on feedlot cattle fed ractopamine hydrochloride. Cattle were blocked in groups of 54 by BW and housed in 48 pens containing 9 steers per pen. Pens within a weight block were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) 0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM fed during the final 29 days on feed; and 2) Zn source: 90 mg of supplemental Zn/kg DM from ZnSO4; Zn sulfate (67%) + Zn methionine (33%); and Zn from Zn hydroxychloride, fed through the entire feeding period. Cattle were fed a high concentrate finishing diet for 154 d and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Average daily gain, DMI, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were determined after slaughter. Zinc source had no impact on live animal performance. Cattle fed ractopamine HCl had greater (P &lt; 0.01) final BW, greater (P &lt; 0.001) ADG, improved (P &lt; 0.001) G:F, heavier (P &lt; 0.01) HCW, and larger (P &lt; 0.05) longissimus muscle compared to non-ractopamine supplemented steers. There was a Zn source by ractopamine interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for dressing percentage. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn hydroxychloride had a greater dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn sulfate had a lesser dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Additional Zn source by ractopamine HCl interactions were not significant. These data indicate that Zn source has minimal impacts on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics when supplemented to cattle receiving 0.0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM.

scholarly journals Effects of coated and noncoated steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β concentrations of finishing Holstein steers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H V Carvalho ◽  
Mariana F Westphalen ◽  
Jonathan A Campbell ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Serum Estradiol ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Coated Implant ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of coated or noncoated hormone implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet for 112 d. Seventy-nine Holstein steers [average initial body weight (BW) = 452 ± 5.5 kg] were stratified by BW and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) Holstein steers implanted with a coated implant containing 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 40 mg E2 (Revalor-XS (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ)] on day 0 (XS) or 2) Holstein steers implanted two times (days 0 and 56) with a noncoated implant containing 80 mg of TBA and 16 mg of E2 [(2IS) Revalor-IS (Merck Animal Health)]. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.71) of implant strategy on initial, middle, and final BW. No effect (P ≥ 0.12) of implant strategy was observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake, or gain-to-feed ratio. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of implant strategy on carcass characteristics. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the circulation of serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentration increased similarly 14 d after Holstein steers were implanted, regardless of implant strategy. At 28 d, after steers were implanted, steers in the XS group had less serum E2 concentration than Holstein steers in the 2IS group. However, at 56 d after the first implantation, both groups, once again, had similar serum E2 concentrations and E2 concentrations were less on day 56 than day 28 for both strategies. Holstein steers implanted with 2IS had greater serum E2 concentration on day 70 and E2 concentrations remained greater than serum E2 of Holstein steers implanted XS for the duration of the trial (day 112). In summary, there was no effect of coated or two doses of noncoated implant on growth performance or carcass characteristics of Holstein steers.

PSIV-2 A comparison of feedlot growth and performance of beef x Holstein crossbred steers and Holstein steers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 298-299
Author(s):  
Bailey L Basiel ◽  
Chad D Dechow ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Dried Distillers Grains ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Objectives were to compare feedlot performance and carcass traits of F1 beef × Holstein steers and Holstein steers. Angus or Limousin × Holstein crossbred [n = 27; age = 12 ± 3 months; body weight (BW) = 435 ± 8 kg] and Holstein (n = 20; age = 11 ± 2 months; BW = 400 ± 9 kg) steers were fed at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Livestock Evaluation Center for 111 days. Feed intake was recorded using the GrowSafe Feed Intake Monitoring System (Model 4000E, GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Calgary AB, Canada). The diet contained corn silage, dried distillers grains, soybean meal, and cracked corn and was formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of beef cattle (NASEM, 2016). Growth performance variables of interest and carcass measurements were analyzed with the Mixed procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). USDA assigned quality grades (QG) and yield grades (YG) were analyzed the with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Breed was a fixed effect in all models. There were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) between breeds in average daily gain or feed efficiency. Crossbreds exceeded Holsteins in initial (P &lt; 0.01) and final BW (P = 0.01), dry matter intake (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P &lt; 0.01), backfat (P = 0.03), and ribeye area (REA; P &lt; 0.01). Thirty-five percent (35%) of the Holsteins received a QG of Choice or above while 74% of crossbreds graded USDA Choice or above (P = 0.01). However, 75% of Holsteins were YG 2 or lower while only 45% of crossbreds achieved YG 2 or less (P = 0.05). There was no improvement in efficiency when crossbreds were compared to Holsteins; however, carcasses from crossbreds were more likely to grade USDA Choice or above while yielding greater REA and backfat than Holsteins.

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