REALIMENTATION OF CULL BEEF COWS. II. MEAT QUALITY OF MUSCLES FROM THE CHUCK, LOIN AND ROUND IN RESPONSE TO DIET AND ENHANCEMENT

From an experiment in which 60 beef cull cows were assigned to one of three feeding treatments, forage fed, high concentrate or high concentrate plus ractopamine, 10 muscles were removed from both sides of the carcass. Muscles from one side of the carcass were enhanced with a solution to target 0.3% salt and 0.3% phosphate in the final product. Minimal to no differences were observed in color, pH, sensory characteristics or shear force as a result of dietary treatment. Enhancement resulted in muscles with higher ( P ≤  0.05) pH and darker color. Sensory scores for juiciness and tenderness were improved ( P ≤  0.05) with enhancement. The Adductor was the only muscle not exhibiting lower shear values due to enhancement ( P >  0.05). To add further value to meat from cull cows, enhancement could be utilized, independent of feeding regimen prior to slaughter.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The use of enhancement in the beef industry has become common practice, particularly in beef from lower grading cattle. However, research examining the improvement in palatability with enhancement has focused mainly on younger cattle. Our research demonstrates that enhancement is able to improve the sensory characteristics of meat from cull cows.
Thus, in meat from older animals, which is usually characterized as being less palatable, enhancement could be used to improve the organoleptic traits. This practice may assist the beef industry in capturing further value from cull cows.     

CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF LEPTIN AND BEEF CARCASS COMPOSITION AND QUALITY

Steers (n = 84) of various genotypes raised under diverse management conditions from the 2001 Missouri State Beef carcass contest were used to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of leptin and beef carcass composition and quality. Serum and carcass data including hot carcass weight; adjusted 12^th rib fat thickness; percentage kidney; pelvic and heart fat (KPH); marbling score; and USDA yield grades were measured at harvest. Leptin was correlated with back fat thickness over the 12^th rib, yield grade, and marbling score (r = 0.35, r = 0.19, r = 0.26 , P < 0.10; respectively), but not with hot carcass weight, ribeye area, or KPH (P > 0.10). Serum concentrations of leptin may be useful to objectively evaluate carcass composition in fed cattle and may provide a means by which carcass quality can be predicted in the live animal.     

Prediction of genetic merit for live weight and body condition score in dairy cows using routinely available linear type and carcass data

Accurate estimates of genetic merit for both live weight and body condition score (BCS) could be useful additions to both national- and herd-breeding programs. Although recording live weight and BCS is not technologically arduous, data available for use in routine genetic evaluations are generally lacking. The objective of the present study was to explore the usefulness of routinely recorded data, namely linear type traits (which also included BCS but only assessed visually) and carcass traits in the pursuit of genetic evaluations for both live weight and BCS in dairy cows. The data consisted of on-farm records of live weight and BCS (assessed using both visual and tactile cues) from 33,242 dairy cows in 201 commercial Irish herds. These data were complemented with information on 6 body-related linear type traits (i.e., stature, angularity, chest width, body depth, BCS, and rump width) and 3 cull cow carcass measures (i.e., carcass weight, conformation, and fat cover) on a selection of these animals plus close relatives. (Co)variance components were estimated using animal linear mixed models. The genetic correlation between the type traits stature, angularity, body depth, chest width, rump width, and visually-assessed BCS with live weight was 0.68, ?0.28, 0.43, 0.64, 0.61, and 0.44, respectively. The genetic correlation between angularity and BCS measured on farm (based on both visual and tactile appraisal) was ?0.79; the genetic and phenotypic correlation between BCS assessed visually as part of the linear assessment with BCS assessed by producers using both tactile and visual cues was 0.90 and 0.27, respectively. The genetic (phenotypic) correlation between cull cow carcass weight and live weight was 0.81 (0.21), and the genetic (phenotypic) correlation between cull cow carcass fat cover and BCS assessed on live cows was 0.44 (0.12). Estimated breeding values (EBV) for live weight and BCS in a validation population of cows were generated using a multitrait evaluation with observations for just the type traits, just the carcass traits, and both the type traits and carcass traits; the EBV were compared with the respective live weight and BCS phenotypic observations. The regression of phenotypic live weight on its EBV from the multitrait evaluations was 1.00 (i.e., the expectation) when the EBV was generated using just linear type trait data, but less than 1 (0.83) when using just carcass data. However, the regression changed across parities and stages of lactation. The partial correlation (after adjusting for contemporary group, parity by stage of lactation, heterosis, and recombination loss) between phenotypic live weight and EBV for live weight estimated using the 3 different scenarios (i.e., type only, carcass only, type plus carcass) ranged from 0.38 to 0.43. Although the prediction of phenotypic BCS from its respective EBV was relatively good when using just the linear type trait data (regression coefficient of 0.83 with a partial correlation of 0.22), the predictive ability of BCS EBV based on just carcass data was poor and should not be used. Overall, linear type trait data are a useful source of information to predict live weight and BCS with minimal additional predictive value from also including carcass data. Nonetheless, in the absence of linear type trait data, information on carcass traits can be useful in predicting genetic merit for mature cow live weight. Prediction of cow BCS from cow carcass data is not recommended.     

Animal performance and meat quality in cull cows with early weaned calves in Argentina

Early weaning of calves (60 days old) is adopted in cow-calf operations for its high reproductive response. The objective of this research work was to find how age classes are related to beef quality in early weaning cull cows. Twenty four cows were grouped in four different age classes (teeth and number of calves produced) from two teeth and no calf produced, up to 12 years and 7 calves produced. All cows grazed a perennial pasture based on alfalfa and fescue. There were differences (P<0.05) in final weight (younger cows being lighter) but no other differences could be found during field conditions or in abattoir data (carcass weight and yield, top value hindquarter cuts weight and carcass percent). No differences (P>0.05) could be found in meat quality attributes except for moisture, protein and fat yellowness. Differences (P<0.05) in sensory attributes could only be found in connective tissue.     

Effects of breed and sire on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of crossbred wagyu and angus steers

In a two-year experiment, 54 steers sired by seven Wagyu bulls [American Wagyu Association (AWA) sire numbers 331, 384, 388, 411, 429, 433 and 488] and 15 steers sired by two Angus bulls, all out of Angus-Hereford cows, were used to evaluate the effects of sire and breed on carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition. Steers were given ad-libitum access to a high-concentrate diet (15 % alfalfa cubes and 85 % barley supplement) for at least 170 days. Breed and individual sire effects were analysed. Wagyu-sired steers had higher marbling, maturity and quality scores, more estimated kidney, pelvic and heart fat, larger longissimus dorsi muscle areas, lower fat thicknesses and yield grades than Angus-sired steers (p < 0.05). Steers sired by 388, 411 and 433 had lower fat thicknesses than steers sired by Angus, 429 and 488 (p < 0.05). Steers sired by 384 and 388 had higher marbling scores per cm subcutaneous fat than steers sired by Angus, 429 and 488, and lower fat thickness per 100 kg of carcass weight than Angus-sired steers (p < 0.05). For both subcutaneous fat and longissimus dorsi muscle, Wagyu-sired steers had higher (p < 0.05) percentages of 14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, and lower percentages of 18:0 than Angus-sired steers. The genetic differences in carcass characteristics among Wagyu sires may enable us to select for improved marbling with less fat in the Wagyu breed. Some statistically significant (p < 0.05) but small differences existed in fatty acid profiles between breeds and among sires.     

The relationship of physiological maturity and marbling judged according to Korean grading system to meat quality traits of Hanwoo beef females

Fifty seven carcasses from Hanwoo beef females were randomly selected by official meat graders and were sorted into three levels of maturity and marbling. Carcass data was collected for back fat thickness, longissimus area, carcass weight, meat colour, fat colour, marbling score, yield and quality grades. Mature carcasses had more yellow fat, coarser texture, a larger longissimus muscle area and lower quality grades and marbling scores (P<0.05). Carcasses with a higher marbling score had thicker fat and a higher quality grade. Carcasses with low marbling had a higher yield grade and a coarser texture (P<0.05). Higher marbling scores corresponded with lower cook and drip loss values for longissimus steaks. As the maturity of carcass was increased, the redness and lightness of meat and the yellowness of fat all tended to increase. Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability scores for the older maturity group were lower than for younger and intermediate groups. Marbling was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, crude fat content, cook and drip losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. The maturity level was also significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade, fat colour, texture score, number of calves produced and milk teeth, meat redness and yellowness, fat yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Results indicate that a low marbling group and older maturity group based on Korean grading system could negatively influence carcass traits and beef qualities of Hanwoo beef female.     

On-farm management decisions to improve beef quality of market dairy cows

A 3-phase study was conducted to assess on-farm management decisions to reduce antibiotic residue violations and improve carcass characteristics in market (cull) dairy cows. In Phase 1, questionnaires were mailed to dairy producers (n = 142) to determine current on-farm management strategies for reducing antibiotic residues in market dairy cattle. In Phase 2, Holstein market cows (n = 77) were assigned randomly to each of the 3 feeding treatments (0, 30, or 60 d). Average daily gain (ADG), body condition score (BCS), and carcass characteristics were assessed. Phase 3 determined the meat withdrawal time of Holstein cows (n = 62) administered procaine penicillin G. Eighty-six percent of dairy farms responding to the questionnaire had at least one cow condemned annually, and no producer had a designated feeding protocol for market cows prior to selling. In Phase 2, ADG was greater in cows fed for 30 d (1.4+/-0.6 kg/d) than in cows fed for 60 d (0.9+/-0.4 kg/d). Additional feeding did not influence the carcass characteristics studied with the exception of kidney, pelvic and heart fat, which was higher in cows fed for 60 d compared with those fed for 0 and 30 d. In Phase 3, 31% of cows treated with procaine penicillin G exceeded the 10-d label withdrawal recommendation by an average of 3.1+/-1.9 d. Feeding market cows may not influence carcass characteristics, but can increase ADG and may ensure that recommended meat withdrawal times for antibiotics are exceeded.     

Carcass and beef color characteristics of three biological types of cattle grazing cool-season forages supplemented with soyhulls

Soyhull supplementation to divergent biological types of cattle on forage-based systems was studied to determine the impact on carcass and color characteristics. Weaned calves (n=107) biologically classified as large-, medium-, or small-framed and intermediate rate of maturing were allocated to three cool-season grazing systems consisting of either orchardgrass pasture or fescue pasture, each with soyhull supplementation, or fescue pasture with no supplementation as a control. Supplementing cattle with soyhulls allowed for heavier (P<0.05) live and carcass weights, larger (P<0.05) longissimus muscle area, increased (P<0.05) backfat, kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH), and yield grades, and improved (P<0.05) marbling scores and quality grades. Utilizing cattle biologically classified as large- or medium-framed allowed for heavier (P<0.05) carcass weights without reducing (P<0.05) marbling scores or quality grades when compared to small-framed cattle. Instrumental color analysis of lean and adipose tissue revealed improved (P<0.05) lightness (L (?)) in lean color for supplemented carcasses as compared to the control. There were no differences (P<0.05) between dietary treatments for L (?), a (?) or b (?) values of adipose tissue. These results indicate that supplementing forage-grazing cattle with soyhulls can improve carcass merit, and utilizing large- or medium-framed cattle can allow for increased carcass weights without decreasing carcass quality.     

Effect of grass silage and concentrate based finishing strategies on cull dairy cow performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics

Sixty-eight spring calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows on completion of lactation were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The experiment commenced on 17th December 2005 and was completed on 27th June 2006. Pre-experimental live weight and BCS were 605kg (s.d. 68.9) and 2.7 (s.d 0.28), respectively. The four treatments were: ad-lib grass silage (GS), GS+3kg concentrate (GS+3), GS+6kg concentrate (GS+6) and GS+9kg concentrate (GS+9). All cows were finished to a live weight>620kg and a BCS>3.5. Live animal, carcass and meat quality characteristics were measured. Mean (s.d.) total feed utilized was similar, at 1.5 (0.05) tonnes DM/cow across all treatments. There was a linear (P<0.001) increase in ADG (kg/day) for the first three dietary treatments, GS (0.71), GS+3 (0.91), GS+6 (1.14) with no additional response to the final increment, GS+9 (1.15). As concentrate proportion in the diet increased there was a linear decrease (P<0.001) in days to slaughter. Cows on the GS+9 treatment (84 days) finished on average 12, 25 and 38 days earlier than those on the GS+6, GS+3, and GS treatments. The GS+9 treatment had lower carcass fat yellowness ('b' value) than the GS treatment but the GS+3 and GS+6 treatments did not differ from either GS or GS+9. There was no effect of treatment (P>0.05) on muscle redness ('a' value) following exposure to oxygen. When cull cows are finished to pre-defined slaughter criteria, similar carcass classifications and carcass quality can be achieved with diets ranging from GS to GS+9, however significant difference in physical performance and days to slaughter will result.     

Effect of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx) dose on live animal performance, carcass characteristics and tenderness in early weaned beef steers

Study objectives were to evaluate ractopamine hydrochloride's (RAC) effect on performance, carcass characteristics, and tenderness of early weaned beef steers. Steers were assigned to a control diet (0mgRAC·steer(-1)·d(-1)), 200mgRAC mg·steer(-1)·d(-1), or 300mgRAC·steer(-1)·d(-1). Steers fed 200 and 300mgRAC·steer(-1)·d(-1) gained 14.84kg and 14.57kg more live weight and produced 13.22 and 14.90kg more hot carcass weight, respectively, than controls. Feed conversions for steers fed 200 or 300mgRAC·steer(-1)·d(-1) of RAC increased 45.2% and 47.3% and average daily gain increased 55.5% and 54.5% compared to controls, respectively. Feeding either dose of RAC increased (P<0.05) loin muscle area and increased (P<0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values compared to controls, however the magnitude of WBSF difference diminished (P>0.05) over 14days of postmortem aging. Results of this study confirm that RAC increases weight gain and feed efficiency, minimally impacts carcass quality and has manageable impacts on tenderness when fed at either 200 or 300mgsteer(-1)·d(-1).     

Factors associated with age at slaughter and carcass weight,price, and value of dairy cull cows

The sale of cull cows contributes to the overall profit of dairy herds. The objective of this study was to quantify the factors associated with slaughter age (mo), cow carcass weight (kg), price (€/kg of carcass weight), and value (€/head) of dairy cull cows. Data included 20,995 slaughter records in the period from 2003 to 2011 of 5 different breeds: 2 dairy [Holstein Friesian (HF) and Brown Swiss (BS)] and 3 dual-purpose [Simmental (Si), Alpine Grey (AG), and Rendena (Re)]. Associations of breed, age of cow (except when the dependent variable was slaughter age), and year and month of slaughter with slaughter age, carcass weight, price, and value were quantified using a mixed linear model; herd was included as a random effect. The seasonal trends in cow price and value traits were inversely related to the number of cows slaughtered, whereas annual variation in external factors affected market conditions. Relative to BS cows, HF cows were younger at slaughter (73.1 vs. 80.7 mo), yielded slightly lighter carcasses (242 vs. 246 kg), and received a slightly lower price (1.69 vs. 1.73 €/kg) and total value (394 vs. 417 €/head). Dual-purpose breeds were older and heavier and received a much greater price and total value at slaughter (521, 516, and 549 €/head, respectively for Si, Re, and AG) than either dairy breed. Of the dual-purpose cows, Si carcasses were heavier (271 kg), whereas the carcasses of local breeds received a higher price (2.05 and 2.18 €/kg for Re and AG, respectively) and Alpine Grey cows were the oldest at slaughter (93.3 mo). The price per kilogram of cull cow carcasses was greatest for very young cows (i.e., <3 yr of age) and the differential in price and value between younger and older cows was greater in dual-purpose than in dairy breeds. Large differences in cull cow whole carcass value (carcass weight × unit price) among dairy breeds suggest that such a trait could be considered in the breeding objectives of the breeds.     

Comparison of dairy beef genetics and dietary roughage levels

The objectives of these trials were to investigate the performance of Jersey steers in relation to Holsteins under current management practices when fed diets differing in energy density and subsequent effects on carcass characteristics. In experiment 1, twelve Jersey and 12 Holstein steers were offered dietary treatments with differing roughage levels. Roughage levels investigated on a dry matter basis were 55% reduced to 25% versus 25% followed by 12.5% (HIGH and LOW, respectively) with all animals receiving the same finishing diet containing 6.5% roughage. Holstein steers were heavier than Jerseys at the initiation of the trial (228 vs. 116 kg). A diet response was observed for gain efficiency during the first period in which LOW was greater than HIGH. Holstein steers had higher dry matter intakes and rates of gain than Jerseys. However, gain efficiency was better for Jersey steers during the first and last periods. Carcass traits were influenced by breed but not diet. Holsteins had heavier hot carcass weights, greater dressing percentages, more backfat, and larger longissimus muscle area, whereas marbling scores were similar to Jerseys. The increased efficiency of Jersey steers and significant reduction in carcass value due to light carcass weights suggested that Jersey steers should be fed to heavier live weights. Experiment 2 utilized 85 steers to investigate continuous feeding of a low-roughage, high-concentrate diet versus a phase-feeding strategy. Jersey (n = 40) and Holstein (n = 45) steers were assigned to a diet containing 20% corn silage on a dry matter basis (HEN) or a phase-feeding program (PHASE) in which corn silage was reduced from 60 to 40% followed by the same diet as HEN. Initial body weights were similar for dietary treatments but differed by breed. A diet response was observed for live weight at the end of the first and second period, first period average daily gain (ADG), overall ADG, and days on feed with HEN having higher ADG than PHASE and fewer days on feed. Breed affected all body weight and gain variables with Holsteins being heavier and gaining more rapidly than Jersey steers. Jersey carcasses were lighter, had the highest percentage trim loss, least amount of backfat, and lowest numerical yield grade. Holstein steers had a greater propensity for gain, whereas the Jersey steers were equally or more efficient. These findings suggest that phase feeding Jersey steers higher-roughage diets has minimal effect on carcass traits.     

Implant and biological type effects on beef carcass characteristics

Beef carcasses (n = 1574) were evaluated at Excel Corp. beef slaughtering facility, Friona, Texas, to determine the effects of implants (double Revalor and Ralgro/Revalor) and biological type (Continental European, Continental European × British and British) on carcass characteristics. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between implants for marbling score, USDA quality grade, adjusted preliminary yield grade, percentage kidney, pelvic and heart fat, or carcass weight. Carcasses from cattle implanted with double Revalor had a larger (P < 0.05) ribeye area and a lower USDA yield grade. No differences were found among breed types for marbling score, USDA quality grade, preliminary yield grade, ribeye area or USDA yield grade (P > 0.05). Steers classed as continental European had the lowest adjusted preliminary yield grade and percentage kidney, pelvic and heart fat, the heaviest carcasses and were most muscular as determined by the Excel muscle score (P < 0.05).     

Effects of hot boning and moisture enhancement on the eating quality of cull cow beef

The effects of chilling method and moisture enhancement were examined for improving eating quality of semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus lumborum (LL) from 62 cull beef cows. Chilling method included hot boning muscles after 45 to 60 min postmortem or conventional chilling for 24 h. Moisture enhancement included 1) a non-injected control (CONT) or injection processing (10% of product weight) using 2) Sodium Tripolyphosphate/salt (Na/STP), 3) Sodium Citrate (NaCIT), 4) Calcium Ascorbate (CaASC), or 5) Citrus Juices (CITRUS). Chilling method by moisture enhancement treatment interactions (P < 0.09) were due to decreased hue, chroma and sarcomere length values in hot boned vs. conventionally chilled product (SM and LL) for CaASC vs. other moisture enhancement treatments. Chilling method by moisture enhancement treatment interactions (P < 0.05) were due to decreased shear force and increased tenderness in conventionally chilled vs. hot boned LL using CaASC vs. Na/STP. Moisture enhancement can improve tenderness of cull cow beef depending on combinations of chilling method and moisture enhancement treatments used.     

Carcass characteristics of cattle differing in Jersey proportion

Comparison of alternative dairy (cross-)breeding programs requires full appraisals of all revenues and costs, including beef merit. Few studies exist on carcass characteristics of crossbred dairy progeny originating from dairy herds as well as their dams. The objective of the present study was to quantify, using a national database, the carcass characteristics of young animals and cows differing in their fraction of Jersey. The data set consisted of 117,593 young animals and 42,799 cows. The associations between a combination of sire and dam breed proportion (just animal breed proportion when the dependent variable was on cows) with age at slaughter (just for young animals), carcass weight, conformation, fat score, price per kilogram, and total carcass value were estimated using mixed models that accounted for covariances among herdmates of the same sex slaughtered in close proximity in time; we also accounted for age at slaughter in young animals (which was substituted with carcass weight and carcass fat score when the dependent variable was age at slaughter), animal sex, parity of the cow or dam (where relevant), and temporal effects represented by a year-by-month 2-way interaction. For young animals, the heaviest of the dairy carcasses were from the mating of a Holstein-Friesian dam and a Holstein-Friesian sire (323.34 kg), whereas the lightest carcasses were from the mating of a purebred Jersey dam to a purebred Jersey sire which were 46.31 kg lighter (standard error of the difference = 1.21 kg). The young animal carcass weight of an F₁ Holstein-Friesian × Jersey cross was 20.4 to 27.0 kg less than that of a purebred Holstein-Friesian animal. The carcass conformation of a Holstein-Friesian young animal was 26% superior to that of a purebred Jersey, translating to a difference of 0.78 conformation units on a scale of 1 to 15. Purebred Holstein-Friesians produced carcasses with less fat than their purebred Jersey counterparts. The difference in carcass price per kilogram among the alternative sire-dam breed combinations investigated was minimal, although large differences existed among the different breed types for overall carcass value; the carcass value of a Holstein-Friesian animal was 20% greater than that of a Jersey animal. Purebred Jersey animals required, on average, 21 d longer to reach a given carcass weight and fat score relative to a purebred Holstein-Friesian. The difference in age at slaughter between a purebred Holstein-Friesian animal and the mating between a Holstein-Friesian sire with a Jersey dam, and vice versa, was between 7.0 and 8.9 d. A 75.8-kg difference in carcass weight existed between the carcass of a purebred Jersey cow and that of a Holstein-Friesian cow; a 50% Holstein–Friesian-50% Jersey cow had a carcass 42.0 kg lighter than that of a purebred Holstein-Friesian cow. Carcass conformation was superior in purebred Holstein-Friesian compared with purebred Jersey cows. Results from this study represent useful input parameters to populate simulation models of alternative breeding programs on dairy farms, and to help beef farmers evaluate the cost-benefit of rearing, for slaughter, animals differing in Jersey fraction.     

Carcass characteristics of Angus steers fed to Japanese market standards

Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle are characterized by an ability to consistently produce highly palatable, well-marbled beef. The Japanese utilize a unique management program which includes feeding the cattle a high roughage diet for extended periods of time, typically at least twice that of American feedlot practices. In this study, Angus steers were fed a typical US feedlot diet to the Japanese market endpoint of 680 kg. Carcasses were analyzed for marbling score, meat color and fat color by days on feed and adjusted to a common carcass weight. Results indicate that the quality traits studied did change (P < 0·05) with an increasing number of days on feed. The marbling score had a high standard error.     

Cull sow knife-separable lean content evaluation at harvest and lean mass content prediction equation development

The objectives of this study were to develop a prediction equation for carcass knife-separable lean within and across USDA cull sow market weight classes (MWC) and to determine carcass and individual primal cut knife separable lean content from cull sows. There were significant percent lean and fat differences in the primal cuts across USDA MWC. The two lighter USDA MWC had a greater percent carcass lean and lower percent fat compared to the two heavier MWC. In general, hot carcass weight explained the majority of carcass lean variation. Additionally, backfat was a significant variation source when predicting cull sow carcass lean. The findings support using a single lean prediction equation across MWC to assist processors when making cull sow purchasing decisions and determine the mix of animals from various USDA MWC that will meet their needs when making pork products with defined lean:fat content.     

Influence of production system on carcass characteristics of F(1) Wagyu × Angus steers and heifers

American Wagyu × Angus steers (n = 15) and heifers (n = 26) were finished to typical Japanese market weight and degree of finish using two different feeding methods. The first method (deferred) consisted of two growing/ finishing phases: a forage-based diet for approximately 8 months followed by a high concentrate diet fed ad libitum for an additional 8 months while the second finishing method (linear) was designed to produce a linear rate of gain for the entire 16 months that the cattle were on feed. Even though there were substantial differences in daily weight gain (P < 0.05) within the two growing/finishing phases, total weight gain for the entire 16 months was not different between the two feeding methods (P > 0.05). Cattle produced by the linear growth method were superior to deferred growth cattle for carcass weight (as estimated by cold left side weight), rib thickness, dressing percentage, marbling score, fat color, fat luster, fat quality, as well as in scores for meat color, brightness, firmness and texture (P < 0.05). Fat thickness was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). These data indicate that the linear method of production is more consistent with producing carcasses for the Japanese beef market.