Brahman-Hereford Crossbreds and Herefords—Gains, Carcass Yields and Carcass Differences

Hereford and Brahman-Hereford crossbred steers and heifers were compared as to feed lot performance, carcass yield, and other carcass characteristics. The animals were fed at the Imperial Valley Field Station during the time of the year when environmental conditions were least oppressive. Some of the findings are: Herefords made significantly greater gains, (2.16 lb. per day as compared to 1.90 lb.) and used less feed per 100 lb. gain (86 lb.) than Brahman-Hereford crossbreds. Brahman-Hereford crossbreds yielded significantly more carcass, 2.2 percent more than Herefords. There was little or no difference in carcass cut out values between the two breeds. One significant difference was the higher percent of flank in Hereford carcasses. Brahman-Hereford crossbred carcasses had more bone and less fat, principally because of less finish. Herefords were higher finished and graded higher. Conformation and type also played a part in the grading. Steers gained significantly more than heifers, 2.15 lb. per day as compared to 1.91 lb. Heifers' carcasses produced less forequarter, chuck, and more flank and loin than did steer carcasses.