The Effect of Age of Castration upon Rate and Economy of Gain and Carcass Quality of Beef Calves

Two experiments are reported in which the feed lot performance and carcass quality of early and late castrated steers and bulls were studied. There were no significant differences in these factors between steers castrated at approximately one month of age and those castrated after weaning at approximately seven months of age. Bulls gained significantly faster than steers and required less feed per unit of gain. The bulls were not as well finished as the steers at time of slaughter which influenced the carcass characters studied. The steers had a significantly higher dressing percentage and lighter hides. Bull carcasses graded significantly lower, had less fat trim and a higher proportion of edible meat. When based on an appraised live market value the bull carcasses yielded edible meat of comparable quality at a cost of ten to twelve cents per pound less than steers.