Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1987

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Animal Science

Major Professor

Robert R. Shrode

Committee Members

Curtis Melton, William Backus

Abstract

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 4-H 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 super-iority (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) compari-sons 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 group 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.

Download
Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS