Beefmaster progeny evaluation for growth traits and carcass merit

Abstract

Four different breed groups were utilized in this test. Forty three purebred Beefmaster steers, thirty-eight 3/4 Beefmaster steers, twenty-three 1/2 Beefmaster steers and six steers 1/2 Angus 1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Brahman were placed on native pasture for an average of 67 days and in a wheat pasture for 88 days and in the feedlot for 128 days. Significant differences (P<.05) were found between the breed groups for: initial weight on grass, feedlot final weight, carcass weight, actual fat, ribeye area, yield grade and marbling scores. No significant differences (P>.05) were found for: final weight on grass, average daily gain on grass, average daily gain on feed, juiciness, muscle and fiber tenderness, overall tenderness, amount of connective tissue, overall favor intensity and shear force values between the breed groups. The percentage distribution for the quality grade categories (Choice, Select, and Standard) was 2.5, 70.0, and 27.5% for the purebred group; 3.33, 76.67, and 20.0 % for the 3/4 Beefmaster group; 19.0, 71.4, and 9.5% for the 1/2 Beefmaster group; and 50.0, 50.0, and 0 % for the control group. The percentage distribution in the tenderness categories for the different breed groups was as follows-Purebred steers 40% tender, 27.5% acceptable, and 32.5% unacceptable. The 3/4 Beefmaster group had a 56.6% tender, 30.0% acceptable, and 13.3% unacceptable. The 1/2 Beefmaster had a 33.3% tender, 28.5% acceptable, and 38% unacceptable. The control group had a 66.6% tender, and 33.4% acceptable. Among the sires represented in the purebred group significant differences (P<.05) were found for the following traits: initial weight, final weight on grass, average daily gain on grass , final weight in the feedlot , carcass weight, quality grade, actual fat, ribeye area, and yield grade. No significant differences (P>.05) were found for juiciness, muscle and fiber tenderness, overall tenderness, connective tissue, overall flavor intensity and shear force. For the sires represented with crossbred progeny significant differences (P<.05) were found for the final weight on grass, carcass weight and ribeye area. No significant differences (P>.05) were observed among the sires in the rest of the performance, carcass, or sensory traits evaluated.