Chronological age and dentition effects on carcass and meat quality of cattle in northern Australia [adequacy of dentition in determining market grades]
1991
Wythes, J.R. (Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries, Toowoomba (Australia)) | Shorthose, W.R. (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Cannon Hill (Australia). Div. of Food Processing)
Ages of 348 cows and 370 steers were categorised in 5 experiments as young (less than 4 years), mature (5 to 10 years) and old (greater than 10 years). The number of permanent incisors was noted for each animal. In general, old and mature cows with 8 teeth were heavier than young cows with 4 teeth, and both groups had heavier bodies and carcasses than young 2-tooths. Old cows with 8 teeth had the lowest dressing percentage, mature cows the greatest fat depth. Steers with 8 teeth had greater mean liveweight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and fat depth than other dentition groups. There was no consistent effect of age or dentition on meat quality characteristics of the M. longissimus dorsi muscle.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation