Growth and Development of Angus-Wagyu Crossbred Steers
Abstract
Serially scanning Angus-Wagyu crossbred steers with real-time ultrasound suggests the following conclusions: · Comparing real-time ultrasound measurements, including fat cover, percent intramuscular fat and rib eye area, with carcass measurements at harvest time suggests ultrasound measurements are accurate enough to be used as a body composition evaluation tool. · Serial ultrasound measurements indicate that muscle deposition based on rib eye area occurred linearly from 772 to 1,406 pounds, and perhaps to a heavier weight than expected. · Subcutaneous fat ultrasonic measurements suggest a slow linear increase in fat cover until the cattle weighed 1,100 lbs., and then fat cover increased at a much faster rate. · Percent intramuscular fat in these unique Angus- Wagyu steers was equivalent to low choice at 772 pounds and continued at the same linear rate until the cattle were harvested. · It is possible to produce cattle that have the genetic potential to produce carcasses with high levels of intramuscular fat while remaining relatively lean.
Keywords: ASL R1635
How to Cite:
Rouse, G. H., Ruble, M., Greiner, S., Tait, R. G., Hays, C. L. & Wilson, D. E., (2000) “Growth and Development of Angus-Wagyu Crossbred Steers”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 1(1).
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