Differences in Growth Pattern and Carcass Development of Angus Bulls, Steers and Heifers

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increased interest in comparisons of the growth and carcass development of young bulls, steers and heifers. It is generally known that steers gain more rapidly than heifers and previous research at this station and others has indicated bulls gain more rapidly than steers. This study provides information from a relatively large number of cattle of similar genetic background and fed under similar conditions. The present study does not provide information relative to possible differences in consumer acceptability of meat produced from bulls, steers and heifers. However, reliable measures of growth and carcass development were obtained.