Abstract

Sixteen crossbred steers were used to compare performance and carcass characteristics of animals from accelerated and "natural" cattle production systems. Steers in the accelerated group (8 head) were implanted with Component TE-S (120 mg of trenbolone acetate, 24 mg estradiol), and received 200 mg/steer daily of ractopamine-HCl (Optaflexx) during the last 33 days of feeding. Tylan and Rumensin were also fed to the accelerated group. "Natural" steers were not implanted and were not given feed additives. Steers in the accelerated group had improved gain; heavier final weights; heavier carcasses; larger ribeye areas; and less kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. "Natural" cattle had better quality grades, but would require a $3/cwt carcass premium to offset the performance advantages of accelerated cattle.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 2006, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 06-205-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 959, Beef, Accelerated production system, Natural production system, Performance, Carcass traits

How to Cite:

Veloso, L., Loe, E. & Unruh, J. A., (2006) “Accelerated and “natural” production-system effects on performance and carcass traits”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 66-69. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1578