Comparison of Feedlot Performance, Carcass Merit and Chemical Composition of Crossbred Cattle

Abstract

Feedlot performance, carcass merit and chemical composition were compared using Waguli , Brangus, Hereford x Tuli and Wagyu x Crossbred Gene Combination (CGC) breeds. Steers were penned in the following manner: 6 Waguli steers, 6 Hereford x Tuli, 6 Wagyu x CGC and 8 Brangus. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between Brangus and Waguli for ADGs. F:G was lower (P<0.05) for Hereford x Tuli compared to the other crossbreeds. A heavier final weight was observed (P<0.05) for the Wagyu x CGC than all other crossbreds. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for REA between Wagyu x CGC and Hereford x Tuli and Waguli. Wagyu x CGC had higher shear force values (SFV) (P<0.05) than all other crossbreeds. Cost of gain was lower (P<0.05) for Hereford x Tuli compared the other breeds. Hereford x Tuli also had less protein (P<0.05) than to the other breeds.A second study was conducted comparing limit feeding (LF) vs. full feeding (FF) strategies. 23 steers and 27 heifers were penned by sex and were randomly assigned a treatment; 4 pens received the LF treatment and 4 were FF. ADG was lower (P<0.05) for LF and FF heifers compared to both LF and FF steers. Dressing percentage was lower (P<0.05) for LF steers compared to LF and FF Heifers. LF heifers YG was higher (P<0.05) compared to FF steers. Quality grades were higher (P<0.05) for LF and FF heifers compared to LF and FF steers. REA /cwt was significantly higher (P<0.05) for FF heifers compared to LF and FF steers. SFV were11lower (P<0.05) for FF heifers compared to LF and FF steers. A significant difference (P<0.05) in cost of gain was noted between LF steers and the rest, also between LF heifers and FF steers. Primal cut price/cwt was significantly lower (P<0.05) for LF heifers compared to FF steers. Lipid percentage was higher (P<0.05) LF heifers compared to FF steers. Moisture percentage was lower (P<0.05) for LF heifer compared to the other groups.