Effect of breed on growth performance and carcass composition of Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental bulls

Abstract

Breed effects on live weight gain, slaughter characteristics and carcass composition were compared in Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental bulls. The experiment extended over 2 years and involved totally 96 animals. The target slaughter live weights were determined 550 kg for earlier maturing breeds Aberdeen Angus and Hereford and 630 kg for later maturing breeds Charolais and Simmental. Charolais and Simmental gained more rapidly (P < 0.05) than Aberdeen Angus while Hereford were intermediate. Hereford had lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage than the other breeds. Percentages of grade I meat were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Charolais and Simmental. The highest percentage of separable fat was recorded in Hereford (P < 0.05). Charolais and Simmental had lower (P < 0.05) thickness of subcutaneous fat over MLLT than Aberdeen Angus and Hereford. The later maturing bulls generally tended to achieve higher live weight gains during the experiment, produced less fat and had higher percentage of meat from high priced joints in comparison with earlier maturing animals.