Growth and carcass characteristics of young Friesian and Brahman × Friesian bulls

Abstract

Brahman x Friesian and Friesian bulls were compared in terms of birthweight, growth rate and feed conversion ratio up to 11 weeks of age, then in terms of growth rate only when in yards and under grazing conditions up to a final slaughter weight of 272 kg. There were no significant differences between the two genotypes. Comparisons of the carcases showed that Brahman x Friesians were fatter, but the meat was tougher than that of Friesians.