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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Genetics and Animal Breeding » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #182494
Title: POSTWEANING GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS IN CROSSBRED CATTLE FROM HEREFORD, ANGUS, NORWEGIAN RED, SWEDISH RED AND WHITE, FRIESIAN, AND WAGYU MATERNAL GRANDSIRES

Author
item Casas, Eduardo
item Cundiff, Larry

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/14/2005
Publication Date: 2/2/2006
Citation: Casas, E., Cundiff, L.V. 2006. Postweaning growth and carcass traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Wagyu maternal grandsires. Journal of Animal Science. 84:305-310.

Interpretive Summary: The beef production system in the U.S. is designed to produce high quality beef. The objective of the present study was to evaluate carcass composition traits produced by offspring from Scandinavian breeds, primarily used for dairy. The objective was also to evaluate carcass composition traits for an alternative breed (Wagyu), to be used by U.S. producers for international markets. Scandinavian breeds can be used to produce high quality carcasses because they produce carcasses with similar composition as traditionally used breeds. When using alternative breeds to produce high quality carcasses for the international market, producers must realize that less saleable meat will be produced given that the Wagyu has a slower growth and is smaller than traditional breeds. However, the quality of the meat could offset this disadvantage.

Technical Abstract: Postweaning growth and carcass traits were analyzed on 434 steers and 373 heifers (n = 807) obtained by mating F1 cows to Charolais sires. Cows were obtained from mating Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (¼ Hereford, ¼ Angus, ¼ Pinzgauer, and ¼ Red Poll) dams to Hereford or Angus (British Breeds), Norwegian Red, Swedish Red and White, Wagyu, or Friesian sires. Breed groups were slaughtered serially in each of 2 yr (2002 and 2003). Postweaning average daily gain, slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percent, percentage Choice, longissimus area, marbling score, USDA yield grade, fat thickness, retail product yield (percentage), retail product weight, fat yield (percentage), fat weight; bone yield (percentage), and bone weight were analyzed. Maternal grandsire breed was significant (P < 0.05) for all traits except dressing percent, percent Choice, and longissimus area. Marbling score for animals with Norwegian Red, Wagyu, Swedish Red and White, British Breeds, and Friesian inheritance were 550, 544, 532, 530, and 515, respectively (SEM = 8). Retail product weight for these animals were 224, 211, 227, 223, and 223 kg, respectively (SEM = 2 kg). Maternal granddam breed was only significant (P < 0.01) for birth weight. Grandsire breed effects can be optimized by selection and use of appropriate crossbreeding systems.