A Study of Breed Differences in Steers in the Obion County Junior Livestock Show During the Six-Year Period, 1973 to 1978

Four hundred twenty-five carcasses from Angus, Hereford, Charolais and other breeds (predominantly crossbreeds from Angus and Hereford dams) were utilized in a six-year (1973-1978) study of breed and year variation in beef carcass yield traits. These steers were entered in the Obion County Junior Livestock Show and Sale by 4H and FFA members in the county. The steers consisted of 154 Angus, 104 Herefords, 38 Charolais, and 129 steers of other breeds. Data on performance traits (carcass weight) indicated a superiority (P<.01) of Charolais as compared to the other breeds group. Herefords had the lowest caracass weight. There was no difference between Angus and the other breeds group. Angus steer carcasses had the highest (P<.05) marbling score and carcass grade of all breed groups. Charolais and Herefore were the lowest with no difference between these breeds. External fat thickness (measured over the twelfth rib) comparisons showed Charolais to have the least (P<.05) fat. Angus had more (P<.05) fat than did the other breeds group. There was no difference between Herefords and the other breeds group or between Angus and Herefords. Charolais steers had the largest (P<.05) rib eye area (REA). Herefords had the smallest REA. Angus and the other breed groups were similar in REA. The highest (P<.05) percent retail cuts was yielded by the Charolais carcasses. Angus and Hereford had the lowest (P<.05) yield. There was no difference between Herefords and the other breed group in percent retail cuts yield.