Calves with different USDA frame sizes had similar carcass composition
and quality when slaughtered within the recommended weight range for their
frame size. Large-framed calves had higher dressing percentages and gained
faster than medium- or small-framed calves. Condition score appeared more
useful than muscling score to characterize calves' performance and carcass
traits. Calves thin at weaning had poorer performance, lower marbling
scores, less fat, and higher retail product percentages than calves in
medium or fat condition at weaning. Medium condition calves gained faster,
had less fat, higher retail product percentages, and lower marbling scores
than fat calves. Calves with large frame, thick muscle, and medium condition
scores performed best in the feedlot and produced more desirable carcasses.
