-4-


 Feed costs were based on local prices (Quincy, Florida) at the time the cattle were in
the feedlot (Table 1). Prices are shown for various ingredients and an average for the
entire ration (no mixing or handling charge). Other costs (labor, pen rent, interest, and
other expenses) were included in the charge of $0.10 per head daily.

 Carcass maturity, conformation, degree of marbling, and other USDA grade data were
recorded for each carcass. Fat thickness over rib eye, amount of kidney and pelvic fat,
area of rib eye, and carcass weight data were used in estimating percentage of closely
trimmed boneless cuts from the round, rump, loin, rib, and chuck.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 Despite a longer feeding period, gains compared favorably with those in previous
trials (Table 3)3. Likewise feed efficiency was similar to that in earlier tests. Differ-
ences in gain and feed efficiency among the various groups were small, especially if carcass
yield or dressing percentage of each group is adjusted to that of the Lot 38 Herefords which
had the lowest yield. Adjusted data are:
 Adjusted Adjusted
 Adjusted Adjusted average feed per
 carcass final live daily 100 pounds
 Lot yield weight gain gain

 31 60.16 1122 2.27 1052
 32 60.16 1065 2.22 1011
 33 60.16 1104 2.42 1002
 3' 60.16 1021 2.17 930
 35 60.16 929 2.09 1006
 35 60.16 947 2.15 973
 37 60.16 1032 2.35 989
 38 60.16 977 2.23 1016

The 1/2 Hereford-1/4 EBraman 1/4 Charolais (Lot 31) cattle, which were slightly less efficient,
were the heaviest group initially. The Lot 35 Santa Gertrudis had the lightest initial
weight; two unusually slow-gaining steers contributed to the somewhat smaller gain of the
group. Faster gains by Lot 33 (1/2 Hereford-1/4 Brahman-1/4 Angus) and Lot 37 (1/2 Short-
hcrn-1/2 Brahman) did not result in a marked reduction in feed per 100 pounds gain as
compared to the other lots. With the exception of Lot 36 (3/4 Brahman-1/4 Shorthorn),
variation in individual gains was much greater in the crossbred lots than in the Herefords
(Lot 38).

 Table 4 contains results of the carcass study. Lot 33 (1/2 Hereford-1/4 Brahman-1/4
Angus) and Lot 37 (1/2 Shorthorn-1/2 Brahman) cattle had slightly higher grading carcasses
from a quality standpoint because of slightly higher marbling scores. Because of more
kiVney fat and thicker fat cover, the Lot 37 cattle had the lowest estimated yield of
closely trimmed cuts (cutout). The 1/2 Charolais-1/4 Brahman-1/4 Hereford (Lot 32) steers
had the highest estimated cutout, with an exceptionally large ribeye area and relatively
thin fat cover. Lot 32 carcasses and those of Lot 34 (1/2 Hereford-1/2 Brahman) showed
slightly more physiological maturity, with a few carcasses in each group cutting with rather
dark lean. A few carcasses from Lot 31 (1/2 Hereford-1/4 Brahman-1/4 Charolais) also cut
rather dark.


3See Footnote 2, page 1.