Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Young Bulls and Steers Castrated at Four Ages

Abstract

A study of the effects of age at castration on feedlot performance and various carcass criteria of bulls and steers has shown a need to re-evaluate current carcass evaluation and grading methods if young bulls are to be used as a red meat source. Bulls gained faster and more efficiently than all castrate groups. Differences in slaughter characteristics were small except in dressing percent where bulls were superior. The castrate groups graded higher than bulls due mainly to superior marbling scores. Bulls yielded approximately 4 percentage points more trimmed, boneless retail cuts. An increasing trend toward a higher yield of trimmed, boneless retail cuts was noted with each increase in castration age. The U.S.D.A. formula for trimmed, boneless retail cuts underestimated true yield of bull carcasses by approximately 2 percentage points. No differences were found in either Warner-Bratzler shear or taste panel data for tenderness among groups. Differences in carcass characteristics and feedlot performance attributable to castration age were small and, in most instances, nonsignificant. Copyright © 1969. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1969 by American Society of Animal Science