Carcass and meat properties of six genotypes of young bulls finished under feedlot tropical conditions of Mexico

Abstract

The effect of six genotypes (Zebu = Z, European Brown Swiss = EBS, Holstein = H, Z × EBS, Zebu × American Brown Swiss = ABS, Z × ABS, Z × H) on carcass and meat characteristics of young bullocks finished under feedlot conditions was tested. The Z × ABS bullocks had the highest (P = 0.001) average daily gain. The highest (P = 0.017) final liveweight was observed with Z × ABS > EBS > H genotypes. The ribeye area was larger (P = 0.012) for EBS bullocks. Both H and EBS bullocks had lowest (P = 0.001) physiological maturity; although the H bullocks had higher (P = 0.006) pelvis and heart fat values. The best (P = 0.014) conformation was obtained with the Z × ABS and Z × EBS genotypes. The greatest amount of marbling (P = 0.001) was obtained with the H genotype. In general, the crossbred genotypes showed better feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, and it seems that Holstein breed could have a an advantage from the marbling score point of view.