IV. Growth and carcass composition of straight-bred and beef-cross Friesian steers in several environments

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Abstract
Steers born to Friesian (F) dams and sired by Friesian, Hereford (H), Simmental (S), Angus (A), Limousin (L), South Devon (SD), Blonde d'Aquitaine (BA), Red Devon (RD), and Charolais (C) bulls were grazed on South Auckland beef farms from approximately 4 months of age to slaughter at approximately 20 months. Compared with the F × F, only C×F and S × F steers were heavier in final live weight but differences in dressing-out percentages resulted in the S × F, L × F, SD × F, BA × F, and C × F being heavier and the H × F, A × F, and RD × F lighter in carcass weight. Grazing farm“environment” was an important source of variation in growth rate. Carcass weight was also significantly affected by the growth rate achieved on dairy farms in the first 4 months of life. All breeds were very lean as measured by external fat and by the proportion of excess fat derived from the boning-out of individual carcasses. The H × F had the lowest proportion of carcasses grading manufacturing and the C × F had the highest. All cross-breds had higher proportions of edible meat in the carcass and higher edible meatrbone ratios than the F × F. Distribution of edible meat in high-priced cuts varied only slightly between breeds but favoured L × F, BA × F, and C × F crosses. Heritability estimates are given for growth rate, carcass weight and composition characters. Results are discussed in relation to sire breed use for dairy beef production in New Zealand.

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