Muscle weight distribution in four breeds of cattle with reference to individual muscles, anatomical groups and wholesale cuts

Abstract

One side of each of 51 carcasses of Hereford, Angus, Friesian and Charolais cross-bred steers was dissected and the weights of individual muscles and total carcass muscle were obtained. The percentage distribution of total carcass muscle weight in muscles and in standard groups of muscles was determined. In addition, the percentage distribution of total carcass muscle weight in wholesale cuts was determined from the weights of whole and part muscles specified as comprising the respective cuts. Minor breed differences only were found in muscle weight distribution among muscles, groups of muscles and wholesale cuts. Similarity of muscle weight distribution in the different types of carcasses studied shows that carcass shape is not associated with differences in the distribution of muscle weight in wholesale cuts