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Beef Cattle Carcass Traits
Why You Need Carcass Traits
Carcass traits are moderately to highly heritable. This means that the carcass
characteristics of a bull will be passed on to his progeny, similar to average
daily gain or weight per day of age. We also know that there is as much
variation within a breed as there is between breeds. ~
120 x 600 Skyscraper
Backfat, ribeye area, and marbling are the major traits that should be assessed.
Conformation means looking at the muscling and overall condition of the animal.
All of these measurements and more can be determined with ease and are quite
accurate with new ultrasound technologies.
Gearld Fry is a certified ultrasound technician and offers this service,
linear measuring, minerals, nutrition and plain cow sense in his consulting
business. Contact him through his web site;
Bovine Engineering.
The fat measurement or fat depth gives an indication of the animal's fleshing
ability.
Calves from a bull with no fat may finish too slowly in the feedlot and in
females it is related to their ability to reach puberty at an early age, produce
milk, rebreed and maintain a short calving interval. Excessive fat in a bull may
result in reduced fertility if not managed properly. Extremely lean (high
cutability) and extremely fat (low cutability) carcasses are not desirable. We
should look for moderation.
Overall carcass muscling can be determined by looking at the ribeye area. Ribeye
area is influenced by body weight and the heaviest bull often has the largest
ribeye, so the score should be weight adjusted?
Marbling is an important consideration in determining quality grade. Again,
there can be large differences between and within breeds. Management (feeding)
only slightly affects marbling and it is predominantly genetically influenced,
although certain implant strategies may also have a marked effect on marbling
and intramuscular fat deposition. In value-based marketing, marbling has merit
on its own, but must be considered in combination with other carcass traits. The
most desirable carcasses are choice grade or higher, which takes into account
marbling.
The importance of production and carcass trait information is very significant.
Producers who can provide this to clients or potential buyers will have a
greater opportunity for increased profits than those who continue to breed their
calves with a disregard for, or an understanding of their animals genetic
potential.
When a consumer goes in to purchase a new pickup, they go to a dealer with an
understanding of what they are after. Much of this is based on performance and
service records provided by consumer reports or word of mouth (reputation). The
dealer unfolds for their benefit a history of the model, specifications,
testimonials and other relevant information in an effort to convince them of the
necessity to own that particular vehicle. This is marketing. The more
information provided, the greater the likelihood a purchase will occur from him.
Ranchers and cattlemen can learn from this example. Provide good solid
information to your customers and if it is a quality product, they will return
because of the opportunity for profit.
Building a solid herd with sound genetics is not a random event. It requires
using all the tools available to produce an animal that will meet today's
consumer demand. It also requires the ability to change and continually look for
opportunities. By knowing the potential of your herd you will be more able to
make management decisions that will maintain or enhance profitability in a very
competitive industry.
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