Evaluation of feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, carcass retail cut distribution, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and fatty acid composition of crossbred Jersey steers and heifers

Abstract

Objective: This experiment investigated the effects of sire breed and sex on the feedlot performance, carcass yield, fatty acid composition, and tenderness of crossbred Jersey cattle. Materials and Methods: Crossbred Jersey steers and heifers sired by Angus (n = 9, 11), SimAngus (n = 10, 19), and Red Wagyu (n = 15, 7) bulls were used in a randomized complete block design. Results and Discussion: Adjusted to a similar initial BW, Angus- and SimAngus-sired cattle had a greater ADG (P ≤ 0.01) and average daily DMI (P ≤ 0.01), resulting in a greater off-test BW (P ≤ 0.04) and fewer days on feed (P ≤ 0.01) compared with Wagyu-sired cattle. At a similar adjusted hot carcass weight, carcasses from Angus-sired cattle had a greater fat thickness (P ≤ 0.01) and less kidney fat (P ≤ 0.01) compared with carcasses from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Sire breed did not affect total red meat yield (P = 0.32), fat yield (P = 0.28), and bone yield (P = 0.35). Warner-Bratzler shear force values were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for steaks from Angus-sired cattle compared with steaks from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Steaks from Angus-sired cattle had a greater marbling score (P ≤ 0.01) and percentage of total lipid (P ≤ 0.01) compared with steaks from SimAngus- and Wagyu-sired cattle. Implications and Applications: Appropriate selection of a terminal sire breed will depend on where the producer intends to sell in the production chain, because different sire breeds excel in different growth and carcass traits.