Comparison of feedlot performance and carcass traits of Charolais and Limousin sired three-breed cross calves.

Story in Brief Feedlot performance and carcass traits were compared on 272 steer and heifer three-breed cross calves sired by Charolais and Limousin bulls. All calves were placed on a self-fed finishing ration at weaning and slaughtered as each animal attained an estimated low choice carcass grade. Charolais cross calves were 47.8 Ib heavier at the start of the feeding period and 52 Ib heavier at slaughter than Limousin cross calves. Daily gains over the entire feeding period were similar for both sire breeds. Limousin cross calves required .39 fewer pounds offeed per pound of gain than Charolais cross calves. At slaughter, Charolais cross calves were 16 days older and had 28.9 Ib heavier carcasses than Limousin cross calves. However, carcass weight per day of age was similar for both sire breeds. Limousin cross calves had .64 percent higher dressing percentage and had a slightly higher carcass grade. Other carcass traits were similar for both sire breeds. Based on actual performance, Limousin sired steers returned $11.16 more per head above feedlot costs than Charolais sired steers. Conversely, Charolais cross heifers returned $36.98 more per head above feedlot costs than Limousin cross heifers.