"Preliminary results indicate that Belgian Blues
are excellent candidates as terminal sire breeds provided
producers
are compensated for carcass and meat value. They produced 5 to 9% higher
percentage retail product than other sire breeds with meat palatability
similar to Angus and Hereford sire breeds. However, less than 33% graded
USDA Choice. Thus, special marketing programs for lean-tender beef are
needed to realize their potential."
"June 2000 Germplasm Evaluation Program
Progress Report No. 19"
The
Belgian Blue, a moderately framed animal with a rounded outline,
possesses extraordinary muscles. The shoulder, back, loin and rump are
heavily muscled. The back is straight, rump is sloping and the tail set
is prominent. It has fine but strong legs and can walk easy. The coats
can be white, blue roan or black. The breed is known for its quiet
temperament. Adult fullblood bulls can weigh an average of 2750 pounds,
while females can have an average of 1650 pounds.
Weight and height of
animals recorded averages:
Age
Male
Weight & Height
Female
Weight & Height
12 months
1047 lbs.
47.2"
816 lbs.
45.3"
24 months
1709 lbs.
53.2"
1102 lbs.
48.0"
Breeding Qualities
The Belgian Blues
are a hearty breed. Herds are thriving in hot and dry Texas as well
as in bitter cold Canada. The average calving age is 32 months
although with intensive production herds, calving can begin as early
as 25 months. The gestation length is 282 days with a suggested
calving interval of 13 months. The average birthweight is 96.8
pounds for a Belgian Blue and 79.9 for a crossbred calf. Below are
results from the USDA Animal Research, Clay Center, Nebraska, July
1997:
Breed
(all crossbred animals)
Unassisted Calving
(%)
Birth Weight
(LB)
Belgian Blue
92.8
92.6
Hereford
96.7
94.3
Angus
(avg.)
97.3
92.3
Brahman (current)
88.4
104.6
Meat Quality
"Preliminary results indicate that the Belgian Blue is an
excellent terminal sire breed.... They produced a 5 to 9% higher
percentage retail produce than other sire breeds with meat
palatability similar to Angus and Hereford sire breeds."
USDA Animal Research, Clay Center, Nebraska, July 1997.
Sire Breed of Steer(crossbred)
Carcass Weight (LB)
Dressing
Percent
(%)
.3
Trim Retail Prod. (%)
Fat
Thick
(in.)
Rib
Eye Area
(sq. in.)
Flavor
(*sc.)
Juiciness
(*sc.)
Belgian Blue
779
62.2
74
.26
13.34
4.85
5.02
Hereford
767
60.4
67.6
.46
11.47
4.94
5.19
Angus
771
60.4
67.7
.47
11.62
4.92
5.28
*(sc) Scored as
follows: 1=extremely tough, bland or dry; 8=extremely tender,
intense or juicy. USDA Animal Research, Clay Center, Nebraska,
July 1997.
