Effects of slaughter age and season on certain carcass characteristics in holstein-friesian cull cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of the factors including age at slaughter and slaughter season on certain carcass characteristics 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). Statistical analysis was carried out by the least-squares method as applied in a general linear model (GLM). 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.