Effects of genotype and slaughter weight on growth performance and carcass quality of Brahman Thai
native (BRA) and Charolais Thai native (CHA) crossbred bulls were studied. Thirty-four BRA and 34 CHA
bulls raised under practical fattening beef farm conditions were randomly selected and slaughtered at
500, 550 and 600 kg live weight, respectively. Parameters of growth performance, carcass quality and
commercial prime cuts were determined. Results showed that growth performance and carcass quality
of CHA was better, since they showed higher weight gain, better body muscle score, higher carcass weight
high dressing percentage, higher carcass muscle, less carcass fat and bone plus connective tissue proportions,
better carcass classifications, greater loin eye area and higher commercial prime cut percentage.
Slaughter weights up to 600 kg resulted in increased carcass weight, loin eye area and percentage of commercial
prime cuts and can therefore be recommended.