A note on the effect of early weaning on performance and carcass characteristics in Angus cross and Charolais cross steers

Abstract

ABSTRACTEight Angus cross and eight Charolais cross steer calves (out of Hereford × British Friesian cross dams) were weaned at turnout when 7 months old. Over a summer grazing period of 182 days these ‘early-weaned’ calves grew 30 to 35 % slower than eight comparable steer calves of each cross which continued to suckle their dams until 11 months of age. At housing, the early-weaned calves were 100 g/kg lighter, but this difference had no effect on growth rates or silage intakes during the 138-day finishing period. At the same age early-weaned steers had reduced hot carcass weight and dressing percentage but a similar proportion of fat in the forerib joint.