Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Thesis
Date of this Version
5-1973
Citation
Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1973. Department of Animal Science.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if the growth, efficiency, leanness and meatiness of bulls and their carcasses can be combined with the desirable quality and eating characteristics of steers. This study used steers, short scrotum males and bulls hoping that short scrotum males would produce meaty and learn carcasses of high quality that would be acceptable to the consumer while gaining rapidly and efficiently like the bull. The objective was to evaluate the effect of sex alteration on carcass characteristics and consumer acceptance of beef animals.
One hundred fifty-two Angus calves born in 1969 and 1970 were assigned at random as to sex condition (bull, short scrotum or steer). Each of the sex condition groups were allotted at random with one half of each group to either creep or non-creep. All calves were moved to Lincoln to be fed. The 1969 cattle were self-fed a complete mixed ration for 162 days and the 1970 cattle 181 days. The cattle were slaughtered at the Wilson and Company plant, Omaha, Nebraska. The carcasses were ribbed three days after slaughter and graded to the nearest one third of a grade. A subjective score was given to maturity, marbling texture and color of lean. Percent kidney, pelvic and heart fat and adjusted fat thickness were also estimated. Subjective scores were determined for degree of development of jump muscle, crest and size of pizzle eye. Ribeye tracings were made at the 12th rib and the ribeye area was determined from these tracings.
Untrimmed wholesale ribs were purchased from the packer from each carcass and shipped to the University of Nebraska Meat Laboratory. The ribs were unwrapped, covered with ribeye paper and held at 1.7° C for 10 days and then trimmed to standard wholesale ribs.
Advisor: Vincent H. Arthaud
Comments
Copyright 1973, the author. Used by permission.