Growth performance, carcass traits, and feeder calf value of beef × Holstein and Holstein feedlot steers*
M. Pimentel-Concepción, Jerad R Jaborek, Jeannine P. Schweihofer, A. J. Garmyn, Melissa G.S. McKendree, B.J. Bradford, Arnold F. Hentschl, D. D. Buskirk
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare feedlot performance, carcass traits, and value of beef × Holstein (B × HO) and Holstein (HO) feedlot steers. After a 21-d acclimation to the feedlot, steers (B × HO, n = 60 and HO, n = 60) were blocked by BW into 10 pens per breed type. Steer BW gain, DMI, and G:F were measured on a 28-d basis. Steers were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir on d 245 for B × HO and 266 for HO, after reaching an average carcass empty body fat of 30.0%. Following a 48-h chill, carcass data were collected. The B × HO steers tended to have 5% greater ADG (1.75 vs. 1.70 kg/d) compared with the HO steers but similar DMI (10.40 vs. 10.35 kg/d). The B × HO steers had 4% greater G:F compared with HO steers (0.172 vs. 0.165). Cost of gain was 14% less for B × HO compared with HO steers ($2.68 vs. $2.83/ kg). Although final live BW tended to be less for B × HO compared with HO steers (622 vs. 635 kg), carcass weights were similar between breed types (365 vs. 367 kg). The B × HO steers had 20% greater LM area (87.8 vs. 73.1 cm2), greater backfat thickness (1.18 vs. 0.79 cm), and a lesser average calculated USDA YG (2.9 vs. 3.2) than HO steers. The B × HO and HO steers had similar average marbling scores (426 vs. 437) and USDA QG. Based on abattoir prices, carcass revenue was greater for B × HO steers ($1,836/carcass) when compared with HO steers ($1,800/carcass). Based on a mean receiving BW of 171.9 kg, calculated breakeven feeder calf value was greater for B × HO steers compared with HO steers ($367 vs. $284/100 kg). Overall, B × HO steers were more feed efficient and produced carcasses with more desirable carcass yield, resulting in greater feeder calf value when compared with HO steers.