Preliminary observations on carcass traits and meat yield of five types of Brahman-influenced grass-fed bulls

Benefitingfrominterventionsof thesavannaecosystem, breedersinLosLlanosof ApureState(Venezuela) are exploring the opportunity to improve cattle genetics by implementing crossbreeding programs.Fifty bulls (23 months of age) of five types of Brahman influence [Brahman (n =10), F1 Angus x Brahman (F1Angus; n = 10), F1 Chianina x Brahman (F1Chianina; n = 10), F1 Romosinuano x Brahman (F1Romosinuano; n =10), and F1 Simmental x Brahman (F1Simmental; n = 10)] were selected to be compared in carcass performance(linear measurements, quality and quantity indicators, Venezuelan and U.S. grades, and cutability) at a desirableconformation endpoint with a suitable market weight of 480 kg. An ANOVAcovariance was performed using thegeneralized linear model and frequency distribution of Venezuelan and U.S. grades by breed type were comparedusing theχ2test (P < 0.05). Shorter Brahman carcasses exhibited the most abundant finish, significantly differentfromthe longer F1Simmental and F1Romosinuano counterparts. All carcasses fell into the Ayoungest maturityand were eligible for the USDA"Bullock" class designation; 62%reached the top Venezuelan quality grade, 96%graded U.S. Standard and 64%reached the U.S. yield grade 1, indicating superior cutability. Significant differences(P<0.05)in yieldof individual cuts (ribeye +striploin, andcuts fromthe round) were detectedbetween F1Romosinuano and Brahman, F1Angus, and F1Chianina counterparts. F1Chianina bulls had slight but significant(P<0.05) advantages inyieldof highvaluedboneless cuts as comparedtothose of F1RomosinuanoandF1Simmental counterparts. Conversely, F1RomosinuanooutperformedF1Chianina in1.73 %of mediumvaluedboneless cuts (P<0.05).Under the sample selectioncriteria andharvest endpoint, slight changes incarcassperformance can be expected fromcrossbreeding.