Comparative Growth Performance and Some Carcass Traits of Calves of Different Cattle Breeds Fed Pasture and Concentration

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore growth performance and carcass traits using ultrasound measurements of calves of different cattle breeds under pasture and concentration feeding system. A total of 25 male cattle calves between the ages of 6 to 7 months with an average body weight of 162.37 ± 7.7 kg were fed two separate fattening trials for seven months (pasture and finishing period). Animals were divided into five groups (five of each breed): Kurdi, Rustaki, Jenoubi, Herford and Friesian crossbred. The average daily weight gain was similar (P > 0.05) for calves of different cattle breeds during growth (pasture) period, while these values were significantly higher in Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves during finishing period. The body size measurements were similar among calves of different cattle breeds. The highest increase in Longissimus muscle area and subcutaneous fat thickness was observed in Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves. In conclusion, Kurdi, Rustaki and Friesian crossbred calves possess the promising potential for beef production under the barn rearing or finishing period.