EFFECTS OF CASTRATION, SIRE AND HORMONE TREATMENTS ON THE QUALITY OF RIB ROASTS FROM HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN MALES

Abstract

A total of 72 Holstein-Friesian males from 11 sire groups were reared from birth on a concentrate ration. At 136 kg, one-half of the calves were castrated (Burdizzo) and at 340 kg, one-half of the bulls and steers were implanted with hormones (200 mg progesterone plus 20 mg estradiol-17-β-benzoate). Following slaughter at 475 kg, the 9th–11th rib sections were removed from the left sides of the carcass and frozen. Later, the four treatment and 11 sire groups were compared by taste panel evaluation of these rib roasts. No significant differences in quality factors (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) due to pre-slaughter hormone treatment were evident in rib roasts from either bulls or steers. Hormone treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) fat deposition in steers and tended to increase fat levels in bulls. Rib roasts from bulls were significantly less desirable than roasts from steers in both treatment groups, for all quality factors. Significant sire effects for all taste panel evaluations were also noted.