Bos Indicus-Cross Feedlot Cattle with Excitable Temperaments have Tougher Meat and a Higher Incidence of Borderline Dark Cutters

B. D. Voisinet, T. Grandin, S. F. O'Connor, J. D. Tatuma & M. J. Deesing

Department of Animal Sciences,
Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

(Received 22 November 1996; revised version received 14 March 1997;
accepted 14 March 1997)

Meat Science, Volume 46:4, 367-377. 1997
1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
All nghts reserved. Printed in Great Britain

1-4 0309-1740/97 S17.0() 0.00

ABSTRACT

Temperament ratings based on a numerical scale (chute score) were assessed during weighing and handling of cattle at a feedlot. Breeds studied included Braford, Red Brangus and Simbrah. Cattle were fed to a constant fat thickness of 9 to 13 mm (target = 1I mm) over the 12th rib as determined by periodic ultrasound measurements. Cattle were slaughtered in a commercial slaughter plant and stunned by captive bolt. Temperament rating had a sign)ficant effect on the incidence of borderline dark cutters which were downgraded by a USDA grader (P=O.OI). Temperament score also had a significant effect on tenderness (P < 0~001) as evaluated by Warner-Bratzler Shear ( WBS) force at day 14 post mortem. The calmest animals which stood still when restrained in a hydraulic squeeze chute had a mean WBS force of 2 86 11 kg and cattle which became highly agitated and struggled violently during restraint averaged 3~63 ~ 19 kg. Forty percent of these cattle had WBS force values which were over 3~9kg which is a threshold value for acceptability in food service establishments. These data show that cattle with the most excitable temperament ratings produce carcasses with tougher meat and a higher incidence of borderline dark cutters than cattle with calm temperament ratings.

1997 Elsevier Science Ltd

Click here to return to the Homepage for more information on animal behavior, welfare, and care.