Cattle temperaments in extensive beef herds in northern Queensland. 2. Effect of temperament on carcass and meat quality

The effects on carcass bruising and muscle properties of the temperament scores of 170 bullocks and 240 cows (Brahman cross and Shorthorn) from 2 properties in northern Queensland were studied. Temperaments were scored by rating their behaviours when the cattle were handled in a crush and pound. High scores indicate poor temperaments. The bullocks and cows were respectively transported 740 and 1155 km to abattoirs and slaughtered 5-7 days after mustering. In both experiments, the estimated bruise trim per carcass increased by approximately 0.3 kg per unit increase in movement score for both temperament tests. Cattle with high temperament scores had more bruising along the back and around the tuber coxae and tuber ischii. Muscle samples from cattle with higher temperament scores tended to have higher mean initial yield and peak force shear values, thus indicating that their meat may have been less tender. Neither ultimate pH nor sarcomere length was related to temperament score.