Effect of nutritional regimen and breed on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in beef cattle

The effects of nutritional regimen, breed and their interaction on growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality were evaluated in 72 crossbred Angus (AN) and Charolais (CH) steers fed to a 10 mm backfat endpoint. Cattle were managed on one of three nutritional regimens which involved ad libitum feeding of a 77% high moisture corn diet from the start of the trial or after limit feeding of the 77% HMC diet for 84 days or backgrounding on haylage for 154 days. Backgrounding decreased (P < 0.001) DMI and gains in AN vs. CH steers compared with grain feeding. Shear force in the longissimus and semintendinosus muscles was increased with a period of limit feeding in CH vs. AN steers versus continuously fed steers. Limit feeding a high energy diet may be used as an appropriate management regimen for cattle of British background to reduce feed input costs, while ensuring meat quality and tenderness.