Carcass characteristics of cattle differing in Jersey proportion

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Dairy Cattle Breeding
• Beef Production

Background:

• Evaluating alternative dairy (cross-)breeding programs requires comprehensive assessment of revenues and costs, including beef merit.
• Limited research exists on the carcass characteristics of dairy progeny from crossbreeding programs, particularly concerning their dams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify carcass characteristics of young animals and cows with varying proportions of Jersey genetics using a national database.
• To assess the associations between sire and dam breed proportion and key carcass traits like weight, conformation, fat score, and value.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large national database (117,593 young animals, 42,799 cows).
• Employed mixed models to estimate associations between breed proportion and carcass traits, accounting for herdmates, sex, parity, and temporal effects.
• Analyzed age at slaughter, carcass weight, conformation, fat score, price per kilogram, and total carcass value.

Main Results:

• Holstein-Friesian x Holstein-Friesian crosses produced the heaviest carcasses (323.34 kg), while purebred Jerseys had the lightest (46.31 kg less).
• Holstein-Friesian animals exhibited superior carcass conformation (26% higher) and value (20% greater) compared to Jersey animals.
• Jersey crosses required more time to reach target carcass weight and fat score, with differences in age at slaughter ranging from 7 to 21 days.

Conclusions:

• Breed composition significantly influences dairy animal carcass characteristics, impacting weight, conformation, and overall economic value.
• Holstein-Friesian genetics are associated with heavier, more valuable carcasses compared to Jersey genetics.
• Results provide crucial data for simulation models to optimize dairy breeding programs and inform beef farmers on cost-benefit analyses.