A Note on the Performance of Belgian Blue and Charolais x Holstein-Friesian Bulls Finished on a Fodder Beet-Based Diet

The growth performance, to 15 months of age, of Belgian Blue cross Holstein-Friesian bulls given a fodder beet-based diet was monitored alongside similar Charolais-sired bulls. Twenty animals of each breed type were used in each of 3 years and carcass composition was determined in the first year. Over the 3 years, mean daily weight gain was greater for the Charolais crosses (1.25 v. 1.20 kg/day), but the difference was significant only in the second year. Averaged over the 3 years the Belgian Blue crosses had a higher dressing-out proportion (577 v. 560 g/kg, P<0.05). Compared with the Charolais crosses, the Belgian Blue crosses had less subcutaneous fat (44 v. 52 g/kg, P<0.01), less intermuscular fat (128 v. 138 g/kg, P<0.01) and more lean (680 v. 661 g/kg, P<0.001). It is concluded that the fodder beet system used is suitable for finishing Belgian Blue x Holstein-Friesian and Charolais x Holstein-Friesian young bulls at a carcass weight of around 300 kg with acceptable conformation and fatness.