Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous cattle breeds in the Amhara region of Ethiopia

Evaluating the feedlot potential and carcass traits of beef cattle breeds is crucial for identifying breeds suited to meat production and for guiding fattening enterprises. This study was conducted to assess the performance of cattle breeds sourced from selected districts in northwest Amhara, Ethiopia, under controlled feeding conditions. A total of 40 mature (2 pairs of permanent incisors intact bulls were purchased from four purposively selected local markets: Adet (Yilmana Densa), Merawi (Mecha), Dembecha (Dembecha), and Yifag (Libokemkem). The animals were transported to the Bahir Dar University beef farm and randomly allocated to two feeding treatments: 60:40 and 70:30 ratios of concentrate:roughage (Treatments 1 and 2, respectively) of the animals’ daily dry matter intake. The experiment was conducted over 95 days via a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement. Data collected included body weight, morphological traits, carcass yield, and edible and non-edible offal, analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS 9.0. Breed significantly influenced initial and final body weights (P < 0.01), slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, weight-to-bone thickness ratio, and the weights of tail, head, and skin (P < 0.05). Cattle from Yilmana Densa consistently outperformed others, with a mean slaughter weight of 339.35±10.90 kg, hot carcass weight of 196.49±6.50 kg, and cold carcass weight of 193.51±6.07 kg. In contrast, feeding treatments had no significant effect on the evaluated traits. Overall, indigenous cattle breeds in northwest Amhara exhibited promising feedlot potential and acceptable carcass yields. Further studies incorporating meat quality parameters, age effects, and alternative dietary supplements are recommended to optimize production and market value.