Carcass characteristics and commercial meat yield in Criollo Argentino and Braford steers reared in extensive ecologic system

Abstract

We studied carcass characteristics and commercial joints of Criollo Argentino and Braford steers reared in an extensive ecologic system, without supplementation. Steers were slaughtered at an average age of 898 days and weighing 401 kg. The Braford steers had higher scores for carcass assessments and higher percentages for carcass yield and excess fat on the carcass than Criollo Argentino steers, which resulted in the price (1.47 dollars.kg^-1 vs. 1.42 dollars.kg^-1channel, respectively). The carcasses of Criollo Argentino steers had higher percentages of prime category cuts (51.0% vs. 49.4%) and lower of second (26.9% vs. 27.6%) and third category cuts (22.1% vs. 23.2%). The carcasses of Criollo Argentino steers had less fat (3.9% vs. 5.5%) and highest percentage of salable meat (86.7% vs. 85.6%), which cause a higher purchase prices of meat (2.78 dollars.kg^-1 meat vs. 2.76 dollars.kg^-1 meat). In extensive systems without supplementation and the terms of the experience, the carcasses from Braford steers had a higher yield and fatness, while the carcasses from Criollo Argentino steers provided greater percentage of salable meat. Overall, revenue from Braford steers were higher than those registered with Criollo Argentino steers.