Grader Bronwyn Bayliss graded the carcases for the Asian market primarily for fat colour, meat colour and marbling.
Bill Austin says both breeds of steers graded to an equally high standard.
“Bronwyn commented that she was impressed with the whiteness of the external fat cover considering these cattle had come off grass.
“The marbling was to an equally good standard, especially considering their age.
“Little difference between the breeds was detected.”
Bill says the bulls from both breeds used in the trial were selected for being very close to their respective breed average EBVs for carcase weight, retail beef yield and intramuscular.
“The crossbred steers have delivered the extra performance expected from hybrid vigour.
“They had a higher liveweight, a heavier carcase weight and importantly a greater carcase weight yield and lower pH.
Breed comparison
Shorthorn X | Angus | |
Liveweight average | 551.6kg | 546.6kg |
Dressed weight average | 314.56 | 307.28 |
Carcase weight yield | 57.02 | 56.24 |
pH | 5.53 | 5.45 |