A study of growth and carcass traits in dehorned and polled composite bulls

Abstract

Phenotypically dehorned (genetically horned) and polled bulls were similar for birth, weaning weight, pre- and post-weaning ADG, carcass weight, grade fat, marbling, rib-eye area, cutability and carcass grade. Polled bulls had higher (P < 0.02) fat over the rib-eye compared with dehorned. The similarity in growth and a majority of carcass traits between polled and horned, would suggest that breeding for polledness may be recommended to eliminate horns. Key words: Dehorned, polled, growth, carcass traits, bulls