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Cited by 9Meat and Animal Product QualityRuminant Nutrition and Digestive PhysiologyLivestock Farming and Management

Growth curve, blood parameters and carcass traits of grass-fed Angus steers

Open access
Carrillo, J.A., Bai, Y., He, Y., Li, Y., Cai, W., Bickhart, D.M., Liu, G., Barao, S.M. +2 more·2021·Animal
DOI 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100381
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

The increasing demand for natural products is currently transforming the meat industry, making grass-fed and finished beef a valuable option for improving profits. However, the transformation of conventional operations to grass-fed systems comprises many modifications, such as logistical, technological, and financial that could be very complex and expensive, involving economic risk. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the growth curve, critical economic traits, and carcass quality and finished characteristics over several consecutive years in closely related grass-fed and finished Angus steers, to reduce the genetic effect on the results. We found that grass-fed steers require around 188 additional days to reach the market weight (approx. 470 kg) and had approximately 70% less average daily gain compared to the grain-fed and finished steers. Regression analysis demonstrated an interaction between feed and age (P < 0.01); thus, individual regressions were fitted for each regimen style, obtaining almost perfect linear curves for both treatments, which could be straightforwardly used in practical situations due to its simplicity. Six of eight carcass traits were different between grain-fed and grass-fed and finished steers. Hot-carcass weight, dressing, back fat, and quality grade were superior in grain-fed individuals, contrarily to yield grade and ribeye area/carcass ratio, which were better in grass-fed and finished steers (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the meat tenderness was certainly low and similar in both treatments (P = 0.25), indicating the feasibility of producing tender meat with animals under a grass-fed diet. Nevertheless, according to the quality grade analysis, grain-fed carcasses were greater ranked compared to grass-fed bodies (P < 0.01), regardless of their same tenderness. The results will provide valuable information for better understanding beef cattle in grass-feeding finishing systems, especially from weaning to harvest. Additionally, the study will expand the knowledge about the quality of meat obtained from animals that received grass exclusively, becoming relevant information for economic evaluation and management decisions for grass-based cattle operations.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In closely related Wye Angus steers, grass-fed and finished animals required about 188 more postweaning days and had lower average daily gain than grain-fed steers, while producing lighter, leaner carcasses with better yield grade but lower quality grade. Tenderness did not differ between diets, and blood parameters were similar except for carbon dioxide and glucose.

Key findings

  • Grass-fed steers needed ~188 extra days to reach similar market weight: postweaning days at termination were 454.2 ± 5.13 vs 273.9 ± 12.79 for grain-fed steers, with final weights of 459.6 ± 35.87 kg vs 471.1 ± 36.49 kg (P = 0.1353). Average daily gain was 0.639 ± 0.09 kg for grass-fed vs 1.075 ± 0.12 kg for grain-fed (P = 1.38e−14), with grain-fed ADG about 70% greater.
  • Growth was fit by linear regressions with a feed × age interaction (P < 0.01; R² = 0.92): grass-fed intercept 385.34 and coefficient 1.355; grain-fed intercept 377.71 and coefficient 2.514.
  • Six of eight carcass traits differed. Grain-fed carcasses were heavier (290.3 kg vs 35.6 kg less for grass-fed), had 6.4% greater dressing, and 0.71 cm more back fat; quality grade was higher in grain-fed (30 of 40 USDA Choice vs 29 of 40 grass-fed USDA Select, P < 0.01). Grass-fed carcasses had better yield grade (2.64 vs 3.86) and higher REA/carcass weight ratio (1.7 ± 0.20 vs 1.54 ± 0.16), while ribeye area did not differ (P = 0.41).
  • Warner-Bratzler shear force did not differ (P > 0.25; grass-fed 2.11 kg vs grain-fed 2.27 kg). Blood analysis showed no differences except carbon dioxide (25.38 vs 21.94 mmol/L) and glucose (85.00 vs 101.60 mg/dL), both P = 0.04.

Methods

  • The study used the closed Wye Angus herd at the University of Maryland; 92 Angus heifers/steers from 2011–2014 were randomly assigned after weaning to grass-fed (n = 40) or grain-fed (n = 52) regimens, with body weights recorded at birth, weaning, and monthly until harvest.
  • Genetic homogeneity was checked by SNP genotyping 66 animals with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine HD BeadChip and PCA/PLINK analysis; carcass traits were measured by ultrasound and postharvest assessment, Warner-Bratzler shear force was measured on Longissimus dorsi after 14 days at 4 °C, and blood parameters were analyzed in 2014 from five 14-month-old steers per group.
  • Statistical analysis used R with the nlme package for Gaussian linear and nonlinear mixed-effect models, least squared means with P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 thresholds, and Fisher tests for quality grade categories.

Limitations

  • The paper states that adjusted weaning weight at 205 days differed between groups despite randomization (grass-fed 218.1 kg vs grain-fed 206.7 kg, P = 0.0095), and says this involuntary aspect should be considered during inference.
  • The paper notes a year effect, with 2014 animals inferior within their groups, though it reports no interaction between feeding style and year; blood analysis was limited to five steers per group in 2014.
  • Evident from the text: the study is from one closed herd and one farm, which may limit generalizability; no data were deposited in an official repository.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100381

Cites

34 of 34 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

2 of 16 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationcitation

    The differential ADG between grass-fed and grain-fed systems is primarily related to the level of energy supplied in the diet and the energy expenditure that animals suffer in both conditions.

    “The reason for the differential ADG between the grass-fed and grain-fed systems is primarily related to the level of energy supplied in the diet and the energy expenditure that animals suffer in both conditions (Kaufmann et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kaufmann et al., 2011 source

      The Main Experiment reports higher energy expenditure in grazing cows, supporting the energy-expenditure component. But it compares cows grazing pasture with cows fed grass indoors, not grass-fed with grain-fed systems; energy intake and body weight did not differ between its groups, and it does not establish a cause of differential average daily gain (ADG). (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Grass-fed finished animals produce lighter carcasses than grain-fed finished individuals.

    “a review of nine publications, including several cattle breeds, concluded that grass-fed finished animals produce lighter carcasses than grainfed finished individuals (Brewer and Calkins, 2003)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brewer and Calkins, 2003

      The Procedure says the review compared grass- and grain-fed beef across nine publications, and Tenderness Issues says almost every study found lighter carcasses from grass-fed cattle. The passages do not establish the citing sentence’s additional claim that those publications included several cattle breeds. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    Warner-Bratzler shear force did not differ between grass-fed and grain-fed finished steers (P > 0.25).

    “Interestingly, the meat tenderness was certainly low and similar in both treatments (P = 0.25), indicating the feasibility of producing tender meat with animals under a grass-fed diet.”
    • Also stated in: § Warner-Bratzler shear force · hedged
      “The analysis of measurements acquired from the WBSF test indicates no difference in the tenderness of beef from animals receiving grass or grain diet from weaning to termination (P > 0.25).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Dressing percentage was greater in grain-fed than grass-fed finished steers (by 6.4%).

    “Hotcarcass weight, dressing, back fat, and quality grade were superior in grain-fed individuals, contrarily to yield grade and ribeye area/carcass ratio, which were better in grass-fed and finished steers (P < 0.05).”
    • Also stated in: § Carcass traits · plain
      “Overall, the dressing of animals that received grain was more homogeneous and 6.4% greater than the grass-fed individuals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Simple linear regressions fitted separately for each feeding style produced almost perfect linear growth curves.

    “Regression analysis demonstrated an interaction between feed and age (P < 0.01); thus, individual regressions were fitted for each regimen style, obtaining almost perfect linear curves for both treatments, which could be straightforwardly used in practical situations due to its simplicity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 26
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 18

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The maximum final weight was 564.7 kg at 286 days postweaning for a grain-fed steer, and the minimum was 392.8 kg at 448 days postweaning for a grass-fed steer.

    “The maximum and minimum final weights with 564.7 kg at 286 days postweaning and 392.8 kg at 448 days postweaning correspond to a grain-fed finished, and a grass-fed finished steer, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Nutrient composition differed between grass and grain diets: NFC and starch were higher in grain; proteins, lignin, fiber, and ash were more abundant in grass.

    “As expected, the content of NFC and starch was much higher in the grain diet, providing more total digestible nutrients and available energy (Table 1).Contrarily, proteins, lignin, fiber matter, and ash were more abundant in the grass than in the grain diet.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
      “As expected, the most significant differences between diets were CP, fiber, and energy content.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Wye Angus animals are genetically very homogeneous and cluster separately from external Angus animals.

    “It demonstrates that Wye Angus animals are genetically very homogeneous and cluster separately from the newly added individuals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Blood parameters were typical and no difference between grass and grain diets except carbon dioxide and glucose (P = 0.04 for both).

    “The routine laboratory blood analysis yielded typical values for all parameters.It showed no difference between animals under the grass or grain diet, except for carbon dioxide and glucose with a corresponding P-value of 0.04 for both components, as shown in Table 4.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Grass-fed Longissimus dorsi muscles were slightly more tender than grain-fed, requiring 0.16 kg less force to cut.

    “However, Longissimus dorsi muscles from grass-fed ani-mals were slightly tender than the grain-fed individuals, requiring 0.16 less kg force to cut the samples, as shown in Fig. 4.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The intercept and coefficient of the linear regression were 385.34 and 1.355 for grass-fed, and 377.71 and 2.514 for grain-fed.

    “The intercept and coefficient were 385.34 and 1.355 for the grass-fed group, and were 377.71 and 2.514 for the grain-fed group, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The fitted simple linear regressions extend from 0 to 286 days postweaning for grain-fed and 0 to 461 days for grass-fed.

    “The fitted simple linear regressions extend from 0 to 286 and 461 days postweaning for the grain and grass-fed clusters correspondingly.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Year effect was similar in both groups, implying no interaction between feeding style and year.

    “it is also clear that year effect was similar in both groups, implying no interaction between feeding style and year”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Grass-fed carcasses showed better yield grades but their quality grades were generally lower than grain-fed counterpart.

    “although grass-fed carcasses showed better yield grades, their quality grades were generally lower than its grain-fed counterpart”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    We found different back fat values, but similar tenderness measures in both groups.

    “we found different back fat values, but similar tenderness measures in both groups”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only 2.5% of grass-fed carcasses reached the maximum score observed in this study (CH+) compared to the 22.5% of grain-fed carcasses that were classified as CH+.

    “only 2.5% of grass-fed carcasses reached the maximum score observed in this study (CH+) compared to the 22.5% of grain-fed carcasses that were classified as CH+”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    42.5% of grass-fed carcasses received the lowest grade attained (SelÀ), against only 5% of grain-fed carcasses with the equivalent score.

    “42.5% of grass-fed carcasses received the lowest grade attained (SelÀ), against only 5% of grain-fed carcasses with the equivalent score”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    75% of grain-fed carcasses were classified as USDA Choice while only 27.5% of grass-fed carcasses received the same grade.

    “75% of grain-fed carcasses were classified as USDA Choice while only 27.5% of grass-fed carcasses received the same grade”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Grain-fed carcasses had 1.59 cm back fat, 1.8-fold more than grass-fed carcasses with 0.87 cm.

    “Grain-fed carcasses with 1.59 cm had 1.8-fold more back fat than grass-fed carcasses with 0.87 cm”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Grass-fed finished steers showed a distinct growth curve compared to their grain-fed counterparts, requiring around 180 extra days to reach a similar harvest weight.

    “grass-fed finished steers showed a distinct growth curve compared to their grain-fed counterparts, requiring around 180 extra days to reach a similar harvest weight”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Grain-fed finished animals produced heavy carcasses (290.25 kg) with 36 kg more than grass-fed steers.

    “Grain-fed finished animals produced heavy carcasses (290.25 kg) with 36 kg more than grass-fed steers”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The animals were managed, fed, and harvested according to the University of Maryland Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

    “The animals were managed, fed, and harvested according to the University of Maryland Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The heifers were randomly assigned to either grass or grain-fed style after weaning.

    “After weaning, the heifers were randomly assigned to either grass or grain-fed style.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All animal experiments were conducted following NIH guidelines for housing and care of laboratory animals and following the University of Maryland and College Park (UMCP) regulations after review and approval by the UMCP Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (permit number R-08-62).

    “All animal experiments were conducted following NIH guidelines for housing and care of laboratory animals and following the University of Maryland and College Park (UMCP) regulations after review and approval by the UMCP Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (permit number R-08-62)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationown data

    Other factors such as genetics or epigenetics could be critical for the tenderness of beef.

    “suggesting that other factors such as genetics or epigenetics could be critical for the tenderness of beef”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Subcutaneous fat has a positive association with sarcomere length and negative correlation with shear force.

    “the positive association of subcutaneous fat with sarcomere length and negative correlation with shear force”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    This variation remains close to the two-fold change reported earlier.

    “This variation remains close to the two-fold change reported earlier in a study that mentioned the positive association of subcutaneous fat with sarcomere length and negative correlation with shear force”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The similarity of REA observed in our study could be explained by the genetic resemblance of animals and that both groups received the energy required to achieve optimum lean tissue deposition.

    “the similarity of REA observed in our study could be explained by the genetic resemblance of animals and that both groups received the energy required to achieve optimum lean tissue deposition”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The animals in both feeding groups were genetically similar (or identical).
    • Rests on an assumption: Both groups received the energy required to achieve optimum lean tissue deposition.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fatter carcasses endure less shortening of muscle fibers and promote enzymatic proteolysis during the progression of rigor mortis.

    “fatter carcasses endure less shortening of muscle fibers and promote enzymatic proteolysis during the progression of rigor mortis (Bowling et al., 1977)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Another result reported a similar amount of 61 cm2 for grass-fed carcasses but different area of 11 cm2 for grain-fed carcasses.

    “contrasting with another result that reported a similar amount of 61 cm 2 for grass-fed carcasses but different area of 11 cm 2 for grain-fed carcasses (Bowling et al., 1977)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A similar value of 54.2%, compared to the 55.4% observed in this study, was previously reported in grass-fed tropical breeds.

    “a similar value of 54.2%, compared to the 55.4% observed in this study, was previously reported in grass-fed tropical breeds (Agastin et al., 2013)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Agastin et al., 2013 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Concurrent genetic improvements for yield grade and marbling constitute a more appropriate strategy to achieve better overall carcass quality.

    “concurrent genetic improvements for yield grade and marbling constitute a more appropriate strategy to achieve better overall carcass quality (Thompson et al., 2015)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Thompson et al., 2015 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Increasing subcutaneous fat beyond 10.2 mm did not affect sarcomere length, consequently would not contribute to enhancing beef tenderness.

    “increasing subcutaneous fat beyond 10.2 mm did not affect sarcomere length, consequently would not contribute to enhancing beef tenderness (Bowling et al., 1977)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Grass-fed beef production could increase revenue, and particularly the benefits generated through the commercialization of high-value cuts.

    “grass-fed beef production could increase revenue, and particularly the benefits generated through the commercialization of high-value cuts”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Most of the revenue depends on the sale of steaks.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    High-quality grass-fed beef production is feasible but not easy to achieve.

    “These observations concerning quality grade suggest that high-quality grass-fed beef production is feasible but not easy to achieve”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationown data

    The almost perfect linearity provides a simple method to estimate growth for practical uses and particularly for management decisions.

    “the almost perfect linearity provides a simple method to estimate growth for practical uses and particularly for management decisions”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A previous study reported no significant difference between grain and grass-finished carcasses with 2.4 and 2.1 yield grades correspondingly.

    “a previous study reported no significant difference between grain and grass-finished carcasses with 2.4 and 2.1 yield grades correspondingly (Bowling et al., 1977)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bowling et al., 1977 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    The data from the research suggest an urgent need for a unique grading system for grass-fed beef quality evaluation.

    “the data from the research suggest an urgent need for a unique grading system for grass-fed beef quality evaluation”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Tenderness is central for beef quality judgment and a common desirable characteristic across consumers from different cultures.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A thinner layer of subcutaneous fat in steaks would allow easier access to heat during cooking, reducing cooking time, and incrementing cooking loss, affecting beef tenderness.

    “a thinner layer of subcutaneous fat in steaks would allow easier access to heat during cooking, reducing cooking time, and incrementing cooking loss, affecting beef tenderness (Berry, 1993)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Berry, 1993 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A recent study using molecular breeding values suggests that increasing genetic potential for yield grade was unlikely to improve overall carcass quality, given its sizeable detrimental effect on quality grade.

    “a recent study using molecular breeding values suggests that increasing genetic potential for yield grade was unlikely to improve overall carcass quality, given its sizeable detrimental effect on quality grade”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Thompson et al., 2015 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Angus herd in the Wye Angus farm has been closed to any animal importation for almost 70 years, producing very homogeneous progeny.

    “The Angus herd in the Wye Angus farm has been closed to any animal importation for almost 70 years.Hence, it produces very homogeneous progeny (Lingle et al., 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lingle et al., 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

36 of 36

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    High dietary protein is critical for development and early growth, and high energy is crucial during finishing.

    “The high dietary protein level is critical for development, and early growth; however, high energy level is particularly crucial during the finishing period.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The nutrient composition of grass depends on many factors such as pasture species, developmental stage, season, region, soil type, and climate.

    “The nutrient composition of grass depends on many factors such as pasture species and habits, developmental stage of grass at harvest, season, region, soil type, and climate conditions, among others.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The market defines the final weight of animals.

    “Generally, the market defines the final weight of animals; therefore, we adjusted our study to the reality of beef production.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The transformation of conventional operations to grass-fed systems comprises many modifications that could be complex and expensive, involving economic risk.

    “However, the transformation of conventional operations to grass-fed systems comprises many modifications, such as logistical, technological, and financial that could be very complex and expensive, involving economic risk.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The increasing demand for natural products is transforming the meat industry, making grass-fed beef a valuable option for improving profits.

    “The increasing demand for natural products is currently transforming the meat industry, making grassfed and finished beef a valuable option for improving profits.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The animals in both feeding groups were genetically similar (or identical).

    “Genetically identical animals used in both feeding systems were still very young at harvest”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    High dressing score is highly appreciated in the beef industry.

    “high dressing score is highly appreciated in the beef industry”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The harvest process constitutes a fixed cost regardless of the weight of animals.

    “the harvest process constitutes a fixed cost regardless of the weight of animals”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most of the revenue depends on the sale of steaks.

    “most of the revenue depends on the sale of steaks”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Tenderness is central for beef quality judgment and a common desirable characteristic across consumers from different cultures.

    “tenderness always has been central for beef quality judgment and became a common desirable characteristic across consumers from different cultures”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Both groups received the energy required to achieve optimum lean tissue deposition.

    “both groups received the energy required to achieve optimum lean tissue deposition”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A numerically low yield grade is preferred because it indicates higher cutability than higher yield grade.

    “A numerically low yield grade is preferred because it indicates higher cutability than higher yield grade”
12 of 12

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Average daily gain difference is described in incompatible directions

    Minor

    A 70% lower gain for grass-fed steers is not equivalent to a 70% higher gain for grain-fed steers. The paper uses both descriptions for the same comparison.

  • Grass-fed white blood cell components exceed the reported total

    Minor

    The six reported mean counts for grass-fed white blood cell types sum to 10.14, whereas the reported total white blood cell mean is 8.35. The sum of component means should equal the mean total count.

    Reported 8.35 · recomputed 10.14

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

2 of the 36 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Carrillo, J. A., Bai, Y., He, Y., Li, Y., Cai, W., Bickhart, D. M., Liu, G., Barao, S. M., Sonstegard, T., & Song, J.
Affiliations
  • University of Maryland, College Park (US)
  • Hebei University of Engineering (CN)
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (US)
  • South China Agricultural University (CN)
  • Agricultural Research Service (US)
  • Recombinetics (United States) (US)
Corresponding author
Song, J.
ORCID
Venue
Animal
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-11
Volume
15
Issue
11
Pages
100381
ISSN
1751-7311 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.animal.2021.100381
OpenAlex
W3208116984
Semantic Scholar
2e7bd3c6e8fd7303c2306cb7c7b0a45787a10968
Cited by
9
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 3
FWCI
0.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • animal (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Montana Agricultural Experiment Station
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Meat and Animal Product Quality
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Livestock Farming and Management
Keywords
grass-fed beef, Angus steers, growth curves, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, backfat thickness, yield grade, meat tenderness, feedlot finishing, beef cattle
MeSH terms
Animals, Animal Feed, Body Composition, Cattle, Edible Grain, Diet, Meat

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-23.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-23.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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