Growth and carcass characteristics of three-way Africander multiply Simmental multiply Hereford crossbreds in south-western Queensland

Abstract

Liveweight and carcass traits of 3-way Africander (A) x Simmental (S) x Hereford (H) crossbreds and purebred Herefords were monitored predominately on native pastures at Dirranbandi, Queensland, for 2 calf crops over 6 years. The relative breed compositions of the crossbreds were A4S2H2, A4S 1 H3 and A4H4. The mean liveweight of the A4S2H2 cattle ranked highest from about 250 days post-weaning to slaughter (520 days post-weaning) for steers, and at first joining for heifers (560 days post-weaning). Differences in liveweight were not significant at all times. The A4S2H2 and A4SlH3 steers had the highest (P<0.05) post-weaning average daily gains. Differences in weaning weight between crossbreds were carried through to slaughter for steers and to joining for heifers. The A4S2H2 steers had the highest (P<0.05) mean final liveweight (433 kg) and mean carcass weight (232 kg). There was no difference in carcass weight between the other crossbreds and Herefords. Fat depth at the P8 rump site of A4H4 crossbreds (8.5 mm) was higher (P<0.05) than that of Herefords (5.5 mm) and other crossbreds. Dressing percentages were similar for all breed types. The A4S2H2 maiden heifers had higher (P<0.05) liveweights at first joining (369 kg) than the A4S1H3 (353 kg) and A4H4 (337 kg) heifers. These data show that beef producers in southwestern Queensland can increase carcass weights with A4S2H2 crossbreds and produce carcasses that primarily meet the Korean-EC market and the requirements of domestic supermarket outlets.