Feedlot performance of Brahman × Angus versus Angus steers during cold weather

Abstract

Ten Angus and 10 Brahman x Angus F1 steers were used in a 184-d trial to compare feedlot performance during cold weather (-9 to 26 degrees C). Both groups of steers were exposed to the same environment for the same amount of time. All steers were fed for the same number of days regardless of frame score to avoid frame score x environment interactions. Brahman x Angus steers were 30.7 kg heavier (P less than .05) than Angus steers at the start of the trial. Differences in age (Brahman x Angus 40 d younger) for the two breed groups did not affect final live weight or carcass weight. Brahman x Angus steers consumed .2% less feed (P less than .05) as a percentage of BW than Angus steers; however, there was no difference in overall feed efficiency. Angus steers had a higher yield grade, more fat at the 12th rib (P less than .05), and graded 90% Choice; only 10% of the Brahman x Angus were graded Choice. Brahman x Angus steers were taller at the hip (P less than .05) and longer from first rib to aitch bone (P less than .05) and from thoracic vertebrae (T12/T13) to point of hock (P less than .05). Hide thickness determined at the neck, belly, and rump was found to be similar (7.7 mm) between the two groups. Sample hair weight and diameter did not differ between groups. Fiber, fat, protein, and DM digestibility coefficients were similar between groups but Brahman x Angus feces had a higher DM content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of Bos indicus crossbreeding and cattle age on apparent utilization of a high-grain diet.

“…However, our data indicate that no difference exists in total tract OM digestibility between MARC III and Bos indicus × MARC III steers fed a high-grain diet. These results are supported by previous research with Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbreds fed concentrate diets (Boyles and Riley, 1991;Colditz and Kellaway, 1972). In these experiments, total tract diet DM digestibility was similar between Bos taurus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus cattle.…”

“…Biological type did not affect (P > .05) daily gain, DMI, or gain:feed ratio. Similar to our experiment, Boyles and Riley (1991) found no difference in ADG or feed:gain in Angus vs Brahman × Angus steers consuming an 85% concentrate diet, and Kappel et al (1972) and Young et al (1978) reported no significant difference in feedlot performance among British and Zebu breed types. In contrast, other research demonstrated that greater DMI (Beaver et al, 1989;Huffman et al, 1990) and ADG (Adams et al, 1982;Carroll et al, 1955;Beaver et al, 1989) were achieved in British type cattle compared to Bos indicus-cross cattle consuming a high-grain diet.…”

“…In these experiments, total tract diet DM digestibility was similar between Bos taurus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus cattle. Boyles and Riley (1991) reported a mean diet digestibility of 82% in Angus steers compared with 74% in Brahman × Angus steers. However, these numbers were not significantly different (P > .20).…”

“…Numerous researchers have reported lower marbling scores and quality grades when straightbred Brahman or Brahman crossbreds were compared to cattle of predominantly Bos indicus breeding (Cole et al, 1963;Adams et al, 1982;Koch et al, 1982). In the study of Boyles and Riley (1991), more Angus steers than Brahman × Angus steers graded choice. This is similar to our experiment.…”

Intake and digestibility of low and high quality forage diets by purebred and cross-bred steers of tropically adapted breeds

“…The Brahman breed has been used extensively in the southern U.S. beef cattle herds to incorporate genetic adaptation to heat stress and to increase cow-calf enterprise productivity. However, when these calves are sold for finishing on high-concentrate diets in intensively managed feedlots, they are usually discounted due to poorer feedlot ADG (Phillips et al, 2001), lower marbling scores (Boyles and Riley, 1991;Phillips et al, 2001) and lower carcass quality (Sherbeck et al, 1996: Riley et al, 2003 as compared to steers with little or no Brahman breeding. The majority of the U.S. beef calves are born in winter or spring and weaned in the fall.…”