COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF HOLSTEIN, SHORTHORN × HOLSTEIN AND SHORTHORN CALVES FOR VEAL

Abstract

During three consecutive seasons 129 bull calves, consisting of 45 Holstein, 45 Shorthorn × Holstein (Crossbred) and 39 Shorthorn, were pail fed whole milk, plus a limited quantify of meal ration after the first 3 weeks until marketed at approximately 95 kg liveweight. Holsteins reached market weight at an average of 57 days, a shorter period than for either Crossbreds or Shorthorns. This was due to a combination of Holsteins’ higher initial weight and average daily gain.Carcass grade favored Shorthorns over Holsteins, with Crossbreds intermediate. There was little difference in dressing percentage among breeds. Shorthorns produced more boned loin, rib, shoulder round, sirloin, and fat trim and had a larger eye of lean area than Holsteins but less cutlets, leg bottom, rump and bones. Results from the higher grade of carcasses produced by Shorthorns must be weighed against Holsteins’ greater daily gain, shorter time on feed and less total milk required to reach market. In nearly all aspects, Crossbreds were intermediate.