Heifer meat offers healthier, higher quality alternative to traditional beef.
The study looked at how the gender of cattle affects the quality of their meat. They raised Angus × Nellore cattle in a feedlot and compared bulls, immunocastrated, steers, and heifers. Bulls had bigger rib eye area and weight, while heifers had more fat. Steers and heifers had better marbling. The meat from steers and immunocastrated cattle was tender, regardless of aging time. People liked the taste of meat from steers and heifers more than from bulls. Heifer meat is also healthier, with low unhealthy fats and high levels of beneficial fatty acids. Overall, meat from heifers, steers, and immunocastrated cattle is considered higher quality than from bulls.