Wainewright, S.A., Parker, A.J., Zerby, H., and Fitzpatrick, L.A. (2011) Carcass characteristics and profitability of young grain-fed Bos indicus entire male cattle. In: Proceedings of the Northern Beef Research Update Conference. p. 110. From: Northern Beef Research Update Conference, 2-5 August 2011, Darwin, NT, Australia.

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Abstract

Beef cattle enterprises can benefit from the highly efficient, fast growing characteristics of entire male cattle. We tested the hypothesis that young bulls would produce a greater carcass value than steers of the same chronological age in a north Australian production system. The experiment analysed carcass and meat quality parameters and the subsequent grading and gross values between Bos indicus bulls and steers that were either –homozygous, heterozygous or +homozygous for the calpastatin gene. Overall bulls produced a heavier carcass (P=0.005) that had less marbling (P=0.001) and had greater ossification scores (P=0.007) when compared to steers. Bulls also produced M. Longissimus dorsi that were less tender after aging for 14 days (P=0.001) and 28 days (P=0.005) compared to steers. Bulls that were either heterozygous (P<0.05) or +homozygous (P<0.05) for the calpastatin gene were heavier than steers of similar genotypes. Steers and bulls that were –homozygous produced the lightest carcass weights. Bulls produced a carcass that had a superior gross value when compared to steers (P=0.009). We concluded that bulls that are either heterozygous or +homozygous for the calpastatin gene can be produced profitably from a northern beef enterprise in accordance with domestic market grain fed yearling specifications.

Item ID:	18463
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2012 07:13
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0702 Animal Production > 070202 Animal Growth and Development @ 60% 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0702 Animal Production > 070203 Animal Management @ 40%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8303 Livestock Raising > 830301 Beef Cattle @ 100%
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