Impact of Breed, Sex & Maturity on

Finishing, Quality

Identifying Finished Cattle Yield Grade % Lean Yield

1 >52% 2 52 – 50% 3 50 – 47% 4 47 – 45% 5 <45%

• Fat thickness

• Carcass weight

• % Kidney, pelvic, and heart fat

• Ribeye area

USDA Yield Grade

• Marbling

• Maturity

• Color & Texture

USDA Quality Grade

Frame Scores X Weight at Equal Fatness (29% fat)

Frame Score

5 6 7 8

Steer 1175 1250 1322 1395

Heifer 939 1001 1058 1115

SPAYING HEIFERS

A management tool to overcome the negative impact of estrus on performance and carcass value

Estrous Cycles

Take-Home Message

• British cattle tend to marble more and at earlier end-points

• Continental cattle grow faster and tend to yield higher

• Spaying heifers can improve performance and carcass quality