Studies of fat distribution in the bovine carcass. I. The partition of fatty tissues between depots

Abstract

(1) Total side fat (total dissected fat plus intramuscular fat) was examined in 23 bovine carcasses in four weight ranges.

(2) The partition of fatty tissue between five depots revealed relative rises in intermuscular and subcutaneous depots and relative declines in intramuscular, kidney, and channel fats with increasing carcass weight.

(3) Intermuscular and subcutaneous fats reached high levels relative to total side fat at different stages. Intermuscular fat rose quickly to c. 45.0% of total side fat at about 2.0 kg total side fat (c. 56 days) whilst subcutaneous fat reached 29.0% at c. 13.0 kg total side fat (c. 270 days).

(4) Intramuscular fat did not show an increase relative to total side fat as carcass weight increased. Its contribution to total fat was greatest in the lightest sides and reached a minimal value at c. 13.0 kg total side fat, which it maintained thereafter.

(5) All regressions of the weight of five fat depots on total side fat were highly significant (P < 0.01).

(6) There appears to be a need for precise definition of fat distribution patterns in breeds and strains of cattle in order that carcasses of optimum composition might be produced.