Research Article
Slaughter weight and rib-eye area as a predictor of some carcass characteristics and premium meat production in three cattle breeds
Abstract
This research examines the predictive capacity of age, slaughter weight (SW), and musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD=rib-eye) areas on carcass characteristics and the quantity of high-quality meat across three cattle breeds: Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Simmental. Correlation and stepwise regression analyses were conducted on 64 bull carcasses to assess the predictive power of SW and MLD in terms of carcass characteristics and valuable meat yield. The findings indicated significant positive correlations between SW and premium cuts, especially in the Holstein and Simmental. Furthermore, significant correlations existed between MLD and valuable meats, indicating that both SW and MLD areas are essential determinants in valuable meat production. The regression models established to predict premium meat yields based on SW achieved an explanatory power (R-squared) of 80% and higher for cold carcass weight (CCW), roast (Ro), knuckle (K), topside (TS), total high-value meat (THM), roast percentage (RoP), knuckle percentage (KP), topside percentage (TSP), total high-value meat percentage (THMP). However, low R-squared values in the regression models revealed that the MLD area had a lower predictive value for premium meat production. Despite the MLD area's strong correlation with the factors analyzed for prediction, the result implies that SW is an excellent predictor of meat production. The findings indicate methods for enhancing carcass quality and meat production, with the Simmental breed yielding the most valuable meat, followed by Brown Swiss and Holstein. These findings can guide breeders in enhancing meat quality and profitability in enterprises.
Keywords
References
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- Arikawa LM, Mota LFM, Schmidt PI, et al (2024): Genome-wide scans identify biological and metabolic pathways regulating carcass and meat quality traits in beef cattle. Meat Sci, 209, 109402.
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- Cloete JJE, Cloete SWP, Hoffman LC, et al (2004): Slaughter traits of Merino sheep divergently selected for multiple rearing ability. S Afr J Anim Sci, 34, 189-196.
- Coyne JM, Evans RD, Berry DP (2019): Dressing percentage and the differential between live weight and carcass weight in cattle are influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. J Anim Sci, 97, 1501-1512.
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- Ekiz B, Kecici PD, Ograk YZ, et al (2021): Evaluation of the functionality of EUROP carcass classification system in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs. Meat Sci, 181, 108603Ekiz B, Kecici PD, Oğrak YZ, et al (2023): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman lambs according to EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes. Meat Sci, 207, 109379.
- Greiner S (2012): Ultrasound and the beef carcass. Ultrasound guidelines council field technician study guide. Available at https://ultrasoundguidelinescouncil.org/ (Accessed July 31, 2024).
- Hopkins DL, Gilbert KD, Pirlot KL, et al (1992): Elliottdale and crossbred lambs: growth rate, wool production, fat depth, saleable meat yield, carcass composition and muscle content of selected cuts. Aust J Exp Agri, 32, 429-434.
- Johnson ER, Taylor DG, Priyanto R (1994): The estimation of beef carcass muscle using cross-sectional area of M. Longissimus dorsi at the fifth rib. Meat Sci, 40, 13-19.
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- Knight CH (2018): Using live animal carcass ultrasound in beef cattle. UGA Cooperative Extension Bulletin 1337. Available at https://extension.uga.edu/ (Accessed July 31, 2024).
- Kruk O, Ugnivenko A, Antoniuk T, et al (2024): Evaluation of beef carcass quality using the muscle eye area M. longissimus dorsi. Potravinarstvo Slovak J Food Sci, 18, 619–632.
- Latta KI, Ítavo LCV, Gomes RDC, et al (2024): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of cull cows from different genetic groups. Livest Sci, 282, 105439.
- Marimuthu J, Loudon KMW, Smith LJ, et al (2025). Comparison of ultra-wide band microwave system and ultrasound in live cattle to predict beef carcase subcutaneous fatness. Meat Sci, 220, 109694.
- Moawad M, Aboshady H, Agamy R, et al (2024): Using body measurements and real-time ultrasound to evaluate carcass characteristics of male damascus kids. Egypt J Vet Sci, 1-17.
- Muñoz-Osorio GA, Tırınk C, Tyasi TL, et al (2023): Using fat thickness and longissimus thoracis traits real-time ultrasound measurements in Black Belly ewe lambs to predict carcass tissue composition through multiresponse multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm. Meat Sci, 207, 109369.
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- Riyanto J (2024): Production and carcass quality of thin-tailed sheep fed diets containing protected and unprotected soybean groats. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci, 1292, 012013.
- Sahin EH, Yardimci M, Cetingul IS, et al (2008): The use of ultrasound to predict the carcass composition of live Akkaraman lambs. Meat Sci, 79, 716-721.
- Santos ARD, Souza JNC, Parente HN, et al (2020): Characteristics of nutrition, growth, carcass and meat of male goats fed babassu mesocarp flour. Agri, 10, 288.
- Scapol RS, Malheiros JM, Dias PRB, et al (2020): Meat tenderness from nellore bulls: exploring the quality variability of the longissimus muscle. Braz J Dev, 6, 13920-13931.
- Tadesse D, Urge M, Animut G, et al (2016): Growth and carcass characteristics of three ethiopian indigenous goats fed concentrate at different supplementation levels. SpringerPlus, 5, 414.
- Thatcher LP, Maden JJL, Plant CL (1990): Influence of sex and year on carcass characteristics important in the marketing of second cross lambs. Aust J Exp Agri, 30, 171-177
- Williams AR (2002): Ultrasound applications in beef cattle carcass research and management. J Anim Sci, 80, E183–E188.
- Yalçıntan H, Kecici PD, Ekiz B (2024): Allometric growth of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues in Kivircik lambs finished under concentrate- and pasture-based systems. Vet Med Sci, 11, e70187.
- Yalçıntan H, Kecici PD, Yılmaz A, et al (2024): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids according to the Colomer – Rocher carcass fatness and conformation classes. Meat Sci, 214, 109521.
- Yaralı E, Yılmaz O, Cemal İ, et al (2015): Determination of the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Kıvırcık lambs. J Bahri Dagdas Anim Res, 3, 1-6.
- Yaranoğlu B, Özbeyaz C (2019): Fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Bafra, Akkaraman and Bafra × Akkaraman F1 lambs at different slaughter weights. Eur J Vet Sci, 35, 15-23
- Zhao Y, Zhang X, Li F, et al (2022): Whole genome sequencing analysis to identify candidate genes associated with the rib eye muscle area in hu sheep. Front Genet, 13, 824742.
Year 2025,
Accepted Papers, 1 - 9
Abstract
References
- Ardicli S (2019): Effects of slaughter age and season on final weight and carcass characteristics in Holstein-Friesian cull cows. J Res Vet Med, 38, 38-43.
- Arikawa LM, Mota LFM, Schmidt PI, et al (2024): Genome-wide scans identify biological and metabolic pathways regulating carcass and meat quality traits in beef cattle. Meat Sci, 209, 109402.
- Awuk A, Tamir B (2007): Feed intake, weight gain and carcass yield characteristics of intact hararghe highland male goats fed on different hay to concentrate ratios. East Afr J Sci, 1, 45-54.
- Beef Improvement Federation Guidelines Wiki (2024): Ultrasound rib eye area. Available at http://guidelines.beefimprovement.org/ (Accessed July 31, 2024).
- Chen Y, Li C, Liu L, et al (2007): Prediction of yield of retail cuts for native and crossbred chinese yellow cattle. Anim Sci J, 78, 440-444.
- Cloete JJE, Cloete SWP, Hoffman LC, et al (2004): Slaughter traits of Merino sheep divergently selected for multiple rearing ability. S Afr J Anim Sci, 34, 189-196.
- Coyne JM, Evans RD, Berry DP (2019): Dressing percentage and the differential between live weight and carcass weight in cattle are influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. J Anim Sci, 97, 1501-1512.
- Ekiz B, Baygül O, Yalçıntan H et al (2020): Comparison of the decision tree, artificial neural network and multiple regression methods for prediction of carcass tissues composition of goat kids. Meat Sci, 161, 108011.
- Ekiz B, Kecici PD, Ograk YZ, et al (2021): Evaluation of the functionality of EUROP carcass classification system in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs. Meat Sci, 181, 108603Ekiz B, Kecici PD, Oğrak YZ, et al (2023): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman lambs according to EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes. Meat Sci, 207, 109379.
- Greiner S (2012): Ultrasound and the beef carcass. Ultrasound guidelines council field technician study guide. Available at https://ultrasoundguidelinescouncil.org/ (Accessed July 31, 2024).
- Hopkins DL, Gilbert KD, Pirlot KL, et al (1992): Elliottdale and crossbred lambs: growth rate, wool production, fat depth, saleable meat yield, carcass composition and muscle content of selected cuts. Aust J Exp Agri, 32, 429-434.
- Johnson ER, Taylor DG, Priyanto R (1994): The estimation of beef carcass muscle using cross-sectional area of M. Longissimus dorsi at the fifth rib. Meat Sci, 40, 13-19.
- Kecici PD, Ograk, YZ, Yalcintan H, et al (2021): Effect of slaughter weight on slaughtering and carcass characteristics in lambs from thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman breeds. Small Rum Res, 205, 106563.
- Knight CH (2018): Using live animal carcass ultrasound in beef cattle. UGA Cooperative Extension Bulletin 1337. Available at https://extension.uga.edu/ (Accessed July 31, 2024).
- Kruk O, Ugnivenko A, Antoniuk T, et al (2024): Evaluation of beef carcass quality using the muscle eye area M. longissimus dorsi. Potravinarstvo Slovak J Food Sci, 18, 619–632.
- Latta KI, Ítavo LCV, Gomes RDC, et al (2024): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of cull cows from different genetic groups. Livest Sci, 282, 105439.
- Marimuthu J, Loudon KMW, Smith LJ, et al (2025). Comparison of ultra-wide band microwave system and ultrasound in live cattle to predict beef carcase subcutaneous fatness. Meat Sci, 220, 109694.
- Moawad M, Aboshady H, Agamy R, et al (2024): Using body measurements and real-time ultrasound to evaluate carcass characteristics of male damascus kids. Egypt J Vet Sci, 1-17.
- Muñoz-Osorio GA, Tırınk C, Tyasi TL, et al (2023): Using fat thickness and longissimus thoracis traits real-time ultrasound measurements in Black Belly ewe lambs to predict carcass tissue composition through multiresponse multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm. Meat Sci, 207, 109369.
- Nisbet H, Lambe N, Miller G, et al (2024). Using in-abattoir 3-dimensional measurements from images of beef carcasses for the prediction of EUROP classification grade and carcass weight. Meat Sci, 209, 109391.
- Nogalski Z, Wielgosz-Groth Z, Purwin C, et al (2014): Effect of slaughter weight on the carcass value of young crossbred (Polish Holstein Friesian x Limousin) steers and bulls. Chil J Agri Res, 74, 59-66.
- Price HE, Barkley KE, Lerner AB, et al (2022). Differences in carcass chilling rate underlie differences in sensory traits of pork chops from pigs with heavier carcass weights. J Anim Sci, 100.
- Riyanto J (2024): Production and carcass quality of thin-tailed sheep fed diets containing protected and unprotected soybean groats. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci, 1292, 012013.
- Sahin EH, Yardimci M, Cetingul IS, et al (2008): The use of ultrasound to predict the carcass composition of live Akkaraman lambs. Meat Sci, 79, 716-721.
- Santos ARD, Souza JNC, Parente HN, et al (2020): Characteristics of nutrition, growth, carcass and meat of male goats fed babassu mesocarp flour. Agri, 10, 288.
- Scapol RS, Malheiros JM, Dias PRB, et al (2020): Meat tenderness from nellore bulls: exploring the quality variability of the longissimus muscle. Braz J Dev, 6, 13920-13931.
- Tadesse D, Urge M, Animut G, et al (2016): Growth and carcass characteristics of three ethiopian indigenous goats fed concentrate at different supplementation levels. SpringerPlus, 5, 414.
- Thatcher LP, Maden JJL, Plant CL (1990): Influence of sex and year on carcass characteristics important in the marketing of second cross lambs. Aust J Exp Agri, 30, 171-177
- Williams AR (2002): Ultrasound applications in beef cattle carcass research and management. J Anim Sci, 80, E183–E188.
- Yalçıntan H, Kecici PD, Ekiz B (2024): Allometric growth of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues in Kivircik lambs finished under concentrate- and pasture-based systems. Vet Med Sci, 11, e70187.
- Yalçıntan H, Kecici PD, Yılmaz A, et al (2024): Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids according to the Colomer – Rocher carcass fatness and conformation classes. Meat Sci, 214, 109521.
- Yaralı E, Yılmaz O, Cemal İ, et al (2015): Determination of the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Kıvırcık lambs. J Bahri Dagdas Anim Res, 3, 1-6.
- Yaranoğlu B, Özbeyaz C (2019): Fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Bafra, Akkaraman and Bafra × Akkaraman F1 lambs at different slaughter weights. Eur J Vet Sci, 35, 15-23
- Zhao Y, Zhang X, Li F, et al (2022): Whole genome sequencing analysis to identify candidate genes associated with the rib eye muscle area in hu sheep. Front Genet, 13, 824742.
There are 34 citations in total.
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Animal Science, Genetics and Biostatistics |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Early Pub Date | June 13, 2025 |
| Publication Date | |
| Submission Date | September 12, 2024 |
| Acceptance Date | April 16, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025Accepted Papers |