Accelerated and “natural” production-system effects on performance and carcass traits

Authors

L. Veloso
E. Loe
John A. Unruh

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

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.

Recommended Citation

Veloso, L.; Loe, E.; and Unruh, John A. (2006) "Accelerated and “natural” production-system effects on performance and carcass traits," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1578