Summary
This field trial compared the productive performance and commercial carcass traits of late-maturing beef breeds against dairy breeds when finished for meat production. The authors measured intake, growth performance, carcass composition and economic value, likely to inform breed selection decisions for beef production systems utilising dairy genetics. The findings would be relevant to understanding the relative efficiency and profitability of different breed types in finishing systems.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Ireland and directly applies to United Kingdom beef production systems, which similarly use dairy-beef crosses and compare late-maturing beef breeds for finishing. The work is directly transferable to UK cattle breeding and feeding practice, though UK-specific herd genetics, forage types and market specifications may modulate outcomes.
Key measures
Feed intake (dry matter intake), live animal weights and measurements, carcass weight, carcass composition (lean/fat/bone), carcass value, and growth rates across breed types
Outcomes reported
The study likely compared feed intake, live animal measurements (growth, body condition), carcass composition and commercial value between late-maturing beef breeds and dairy breeds used for meat production. Outcomes probably included weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass grades, and economic returns.
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