Abstract
Nutrient utilization by Shorthorn steers of “compact” and conventional types was investigated by means of digestion balance trials and analysis of standard carcass cuts following slaughter. Limited data of a preliminary nature showed no appreciable difference between steer types with respect to food capacity per unit of body weight and digestibility of nutrients. Conventional type animals, however, exhibited greater ability than “compacts” to utilize digested dry matter during growth. A rapid decline in efficiency of gain from growth to fattening was observed for both types, each reaching the same level at the time the animals were visually judged finished. Seventy days longer feeding was required to finish the conventional type animals. All carcasses were graded choice. Conventional type cuts carried more fat, and the compact type carcass had relatively heavier bone. Copyright © . .