Growth, fertility and carcase studies with bulls, induced cryptorchids and steers

Abstract

Under grazing conditions the growth rate of bulls, induced cryptorchids and steers was similar before puberty. After puberty the average growth rates for bulls and cryptorchids were 20 and 27 per cent higher respectively than that for steers ; this advantage was not significantly affected by the plane of nutrition. Sterilization appeared to be effective when cryptorchidism was induced at four months, but not at ten months of age. Under feedlot conditions the growth rate of early cryptorchids and steers, aged 15-18 months, did not differ significantly. Steer carcases were fatter and contained less muscle than cryptorchids ; the meat from steers was rated as more tender and juicy than cryptorchid meat.