Comparison of performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and economic profits of pure and crossbred Holstein calves

The aim of this study was to compare feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, and economic profits between pure andcrossbreeds Holstein calves. Crossbreeds were produced by crossing Holstein (H) cows with Angus (A), Charolais (C), Limousin (L) and INRA 95 (I)bull’s semen. The performance of 25 calves of each breed (125 calves in total) was compared in a fattening period of eleven months. The averagedaily gain was significantly higher in crossbred calves compared to pure Holstein calves. The interaction of breed and time was significant (P<0.01).The Charolais crossbred calves and pure Holstein had significantly lower dry matter intake than other crossbreeds, and feed conversion ratio in theC×H calves was remarkably more favorable than other groups (P<0.01). Dressing percentage and saleable meat yield for C×H, L×H and I×Hcrossbreeds were higher than for pure Holstein and A×H. Concentrations of plasma urea of Charolais crossbred calves was more than other groups(P<0.01). Economic calculations demonstrated that the respective highest profit for the whole fattening period belonged to crossbreeds of C×H, I×H,L×H, A×H, and pure Holsteins. In conclusion, the calves from Holstein-beef crosses had higher feedlot performance, dressing percentage andeconomic productivity than pure Holstein calves.