Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics of Shortfed Yearling, Hereford, and Brahman X Hereford Steers

Fifty-nine Hereford and 90 Brahman X Hereford steers from Hereford dams raised under the same management, and self-fed in drylot on uniform rations, were slaughtered and compared. The crossbred steers weighed about 40 lb. more at slaughter, and about 55 lb. more in carcass. Crossbreds showed the greatest advantage during the suckling period. Dressing percentage was decidedly in favor of the crossbred steers, as they yielded 62.6 percent compared to 59.9 percent for the Herefords. There was little difference in carcass grade as determined by an official U.S.D.A. grader, or in yields of wholesale cuts, although the crossbred carcasses were longer bodied and longer of leg. Results reflect considerable doubt on the importance of compactness as a conformation factor in beef steers.