U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Date of this Version

1985

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Beef Research Program Progress Report (1985) No. 2: 68

Abstract

Beef cattle can be classified as either Bos taurus or Bos indicus. Bos taurus breeds of cattle are those originating from Europe,whereas Bos indicus are those breeds originating from India and southeast Asia to include such breeds as Brahman, Sahiwal, Baran, etc. Because of the heat and disease resistance of Bos indicus breeds of cattle, they have been used intensively in the southern U.S. However, some studies have shown Bos indicus breeds of cattle to produce carcasses with less marbling and less tender meat than Bos taurus breeds. Since carcass and meat characteristics are a reflection of the muscle fiber present in the meat, a study was conducted to examine the fiber type characteristics of Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds of cattle.

Share

COinS