Performance of F₁ Brahman × Shorthorn and F₁ Sahiwal × Shorthorn cattle from weaning to slaughter in north Queensland

Abstract

Growth rates during the 18-21 months following weaning for 216 F1 Brahman x Shorthorn and 216 F1 Sahiwal x Shorthorn animals were studied during the years 1970-1975 in the dry tropics of north Queensland. Growth rates tended to favour Sahiwal crosses from weaning to 18 months and Brahman crosses from 18 to 30 months. Weight per day of age at about 800 days was similar in both genotypes in two of the three drafts. Steers outperformed heifers throughout and were 8 per cent heavier at 800 days. Carcase weight sof the steers were similar in two of the three drafts, but Sahiwal crosses had higher dressing percentages. In a group of steers boned-out under commercial conditions, Sahiwal crosses had more fat trim than Brahman crosses (7.4 vs. 5.9 per cent) and slightly less saleable meat (73.2 vs. 74.3 per cent). Birth weight, pre-weaning gain and corrected 180-day weight were positively correlated with final liveweight. Pre-weaning gain and post-weaning gain were poorly correlated. Yearling weight (approx. 500 days) was generally independent of cow age.