Holstein-Friesian bulls and steers were evaluated for meat production from birth until slaughtered at 800 or 1,000 lb. Bulls reached slaughter weights faster (P < .01) than steers, consumed less total feed per group, and were more efficient in converting it into meat. The 800-lb cattle consumed 32% less total feed per group and required 87 fewer days to reach slaughter weights than 1,000-lb cattle. Bulls had a slightly lower (P < .05) dressing percentage, due to their heavier hides (P < .05) and to the fatter (P < .01) steer carcasses.
Bulls had a larger percentage (P < .01) rib eye than steers, the difference being more pronounced at 800 lb. Wholesale cuts expressed as per cent of chilled carcass weight showed an advantage in hindquarters for 800-lb cattle (P < .01) and for steers (P < .01). This advantage for steers, however, was due to a higher per cent flank (P < .01) and kidney knob (P < .01) and was less pronounced at 1,000 lb. Bulls and 800-lb cattle had an advantage (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively) in per cent desired cuts due to a greater percentage of round (P < .01) and chuck (P < .01).
No differences among groups were obtained in carcass conformation scores. Steers had higher marbling (P < .01) and texture (P < .05) scores, more (P < .01) outside fat covering, and lower (P < .01) specific gravity than bull carcasses.