Fattening performance, carcass traits, and profitability of Aberdeen Angus and Holstein Friesian bulls in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls in Turkey based on fattening performance, carcass properties, and production costs. In the trial, 105 AA and 105 HF 10- to 12-month-old bulls with a mean initial bodyweight (IBW) of 302 kg were used. The bulls were distributed into 14 paddocks in groups of 15 based on their IBW at an open-shed facility in İzmir. The bulls were fed different rations for the grower and finisher periods for 90 days each, but otherwise were kept under similar conditions. At the end of the finishing period, the animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics, organ weights, quality of meat, and meat production costs were evaluated. In terms of fattening performance, the AA bulls were superior to the HF bulls. The ultimate pH of the Longissimus dorsi in the AA bulls was lower than in the HF bulls and the sensory characteristics of the AA bulls were higher. Production costs were higher for the AA bulls, but so too were income over feed costs (IOFC), making the AA bulls more profitable. Thus, it might be concluded that beef breed bulls that mature quickly, such as AA, are more advantageous for meat production in Turkey than HF bulls, which are a by-product of the dairy industry.