Production and Carcass Characteristics of Holstein-Friesian Bulls and Steers Slaughtered at 800 or 1,000 Pounds

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Abstract
Holstein-Friesian bulls and steers were evaluated for meat production from birth until slaughtered at 800 or 1000 lbs. Bulls reached slaughter weights faster (P<.01) than steers, consumed less total feed and were more efficient in converting it into meat. The 800 lb. cattle consumed 32% less total feed and required 87 fewer days to reach slaughter weights. Bulls had a slightly lower (P<.05) dressing percentage which was due to their heavier hides (P<.05) and to the fatter (P<.01) steer carcasses. Bulls had a larger percentage (P<.01) rib eye than steers, the difference being more pronounced at 800 lbs. Wholesale cuts expressed as percent of chilled carcass weight showed an advantage in hindquarters for 800 lb cattle (P<.01) and for steers (P<.01). This advantage for steers, however, was due to a higher percent flank (P<.01) and kidney knob (P<.01) and was less pronounced at 1000 lbs. Bulls and 800 lb cattle had an advantage (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively) in percent desired cuts due to a greater percentage of round (P<.01) and chuck (P<.01). There was no difference among groups in carcass conformation scores. Steers had higher marbling (P<.01) and texture (P<.05) scores, more (P<.01) outside fat covering and lower (P<.01) specific gravity than bull carcasses.