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Implant and biological type effects on beef carcass characteristics
C R Kerth1, M F Miller, B L Owen
1Animal Science and Food Technology Department, Texas Tech University, Box 42162, Lubbock, TX 79409-2162, USA(†).
Meat Science
|November 9, 2011
Summary
Implanting beef cattle with double Revalor enhanced ribeye area and improved USDA yield grade. Continental European steers exhibited superior carcass characteristics, including higher muscle scores and heavier weights.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Beef Cattle Production
- Meat Science
Background:
- Beef carcass characteristics are influenced by various factors, including growth implants and biological type.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for optimizing beef production and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different growth implants (double Revalor, Ralgro/Revalor) on beef carcass traits.
- To assess the effects of biological type (Continental European, Continental European × British, British) on carcass characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 1574 beef carcasses at a commercial slaughtering facility.
- Analysis of carcass characteristics including marbling score, USDA quality grade, yield grade, fat percentage, carcass weight, and ribeye area.
- Comparison of outcomes based on implant type and cattle breed composition.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in marbling score, USDA quality grade, adjusted preliminary yield grade, kidney/pelvic/heart fat, or carcass weight were observed between implant groups.
- Cattle implanted with double Revalor showed a larger ribeye area and a lower USDA yield grade compared to other implant groups.
- Continental European steers had the lowest adjusted preliminary yield grade, lowest percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, heaviest carcasses, and highest muscle score.
Conclusions:
- Double Revalor implants positively influenced ribeye area and USDA yield grade in beef carcasses.
- Continental European biological type is associated with desirable carcass traits, including higher muscularity and better yield characteristics.
