Why are charolais x Angus the best carcass beef animal?
Two experiments compared the production and carcass traits of 49 Charolais x Angus and Angus steers in an attempt to obtain comparable carcass compositional end points. The crossbreds had heavier birth weights, 205-day adjusted weaning weights, 240-day actual weights and final slaughter weights than straightbred Angus. Average daily gains were higher and feed conversions were more efficient in the crosses during 120-day feeding periods. In Experiment I feeding Angus for 150 days and the crosses for 180 days (83 kg slaughter weight difference) was insufficient to produce similarly finished carcasses. The heavier crossbred carcasses had less external fat, fat in the 9-10-11th rib cut and marbling than the Angus, but a higher USDA cutability percent and more water and protein in the 9-10-11th rib cut. In Experiment II the slaughter weight difference of 110 kg was not sufficient to reach equal carcass compositional end points. Although the steers in Experiment II were slaughtered at lighte
