Comparison of carcase yield, carcase composition and quality characteristics of buffalo meat and beef

The yield of carcase and by-products was found to be only slightly different between buffaloes and non-improved (Busha) cattle of comparable age, feeding treatment and sex. The percentage of separable fat was slightly higher, and that of bone slightly lower, in the buffaloes. In comparing the meat from buffalo and Simmental cattle of the same age and finish, a rather higher protein content was found in the former, but this reflected a somewhat higher concentration of connective tissue in the buffalo meat. The diameter of muscle fibres in buffalo tended to be less than that of corresponding muscle in Simmental cattle (except in M. Supraspinatus of cows). These findings suggest that buffalo meat is no coarser than beef when valid comparisons are made.