Effects of Slaughter Age and Season on Final Weight and Carcass Characteristics in Holstein-Friesian Cull Cows

The objective of this study was to quantify the factors associated with age at slaughter and slaughter season in cull cows. Data from 159 Holstein-Friesian cull cows were used and the cows were divided into three age groups including, very young (<2 years), young (2-3years) and mature (>3years). Results indicated that mature cull cows were characterised by higher live weight, carcass weights, and bone content, whereas, young cull cows were characterised by higher carcass dressing values. In addition, autumn was significantly associated with higher live weight, bone content percentage, and processing loss, whereas, summer was associated with higher carcass dressings and chilling loss. No significant differences were observed in values of total meat yield and percentage and yields of valuable cuttings. The present results may be useful for the evaluation of factors influencing the decision to cull dairy cows.

Keywords:

Cull cow, retail cuts, carcass value, age at culling environmental factors,

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