Characterization of topcross progenies from Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese sires

Breeds of larger mature size tend to grow more rapidly and be older when attaining a given level of fatness. Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese are of approximately equal mature size and yet may vary in body composition at a given degree of maturity. However, direct comparisons among these three breeds were not found. Therefore, the objective of this research was to compare Hereford, Limousin, and Piedmontese progenies for economically important traits. Crossbred cows were bred to Hereford (n = 23), Limousin (n = 24), or Piedmontese (n = 24) sires. Male calves were either left intact or castrated at approximately 2 mo of age. Calves remained with their dams until weaning at an average age of 179 d. Male calves were then individually fed a growing ration until they reached 386 kg and then fed a finishing ration either 90 or 132 d. They were then slaughtered at a commercial abattoir and carcass data were collected. Female calves were group-fed and used to examine nutritional effects on age at puberty. Data were analyzed using REML and linear contrasts among the breed-of-sire effects evaluated. Herefordsired calves had shorter gestation periods and weighed less at birth than either Limousin- or Piedmontese-sired calves. Calving difficulty of Hereford- and Limousin-sired calves was less than that of Piedmontese-sired calves. Limousin-sired calves tended to grow more rapidly than Hereford-sired calves. By the finishing phase, Limousin- and Hereford-sired calves had greater average daily gains than Piedmontese-sired calves. Differences in dry matter intake among breeds of sire were relatively small. Differences in carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, fat depth, and percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat resulted in a clear stratification of USDA yield grade between breeds of sire. Differences in percentage primal cuts were similar to those for USDA yield grade. Hereford-sired calves had more marbling than progeny of Limousin or Piedmontese sires. However, the force necessary to shear cores from steaks of Piedmontese-sired calves was less than for progeny of Limousin or Hereford sires. Hereford- and Piedmontese-sired heifers were younger at puberty than Limousin-sired heifers. Within breeds of similar mature size and growth rate, ample variation exists in age at puberty and body composition at an approximately equal degree of maturity.