Carcass and meat quality characteristics of pasture‐fed unbred and once‐bred Hereford × Friesian heifers

摘要

Abstract Carcass and meat quality traits of Hereford × Friesian once‐bred ("calved") heifers (n = 15) were compared with those of bred but not pregnant ("empty") heifers (n = 10) and “unbred” heifers (n = 10). Unbred and empty heifers had similar carcass weights (mean = 242 kg), but the mean carcass weight of the calved heifers was 31 kg less (P < 0.001) even though they were 6 months older. Weight‐adjusted dressing‐out percentages were lower (P < 0.05) in calved heifers than in unbred heifers, with values for the empty group being intermediate. Calved heifers had longer carcasses and femur bones than unbred (P < 0.05) and empty (P < 0.001) heifers at the same carcass weight. Hind‐quarter cut yields were highest for the calved group. Measures of fatness adjusted for carcass weight were generally lower for the calved group, but differences were seldom significant. Meat quality was assessed on samples of Longissimus dorsi collected before chilling at c. 90 min post‐mortem and kept above 12°C for 24 h. Beef ...