Research Papers
CAB's guiding principles have always been backed by sound science. It started with the development of our 10 carcass specifications that help ensure consumers enjoy a consistent, high-quality eating experience. We deliver the same science-based messages to Angus cattle producers.
To that end, our Supply Development Division regularly commissions research papers and literature reviews from the nation's leading Land Grant Universities. Please read these research papers and summaries.
If there is a question our research hasn't addressed, send us an e-mail. We would be glad to talk to you about the topic and address your concerns.
- Gary Fike, Mike King, Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Darrell Busby, Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity
Abstracts: Effect of Health Treatments on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Traits and Profitability; Effect of Lung Adhesions on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Traits and Profitability
Summary: Healthy Cattle, Healthy Profits
PowerPoint: Effect of Health Treatments; Effect of Lung Adhesions - Research continues to prove the benefits of avoiding illness in the feeding phase. The latest report on nearly 50,000 head of cattle shows $190 net difference between cattle treated twice and those never treated. That’s due to major differences in feedlot and carcass performance and affected by health protocols at the ranch.
- Gary Fike, Mike King, Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Darrell Busby, Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity
Abstract: Effect of Disposition Score on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Traits and Profitability
Summary: Disposition drives feedlot, carcass performance
PowerPoint: Effect of Disposition Score - Docility in the feedlot pays off with better performance, improved carcass merit and reduced morbidity and treatment costs. Taking those factors into account, new research shows docile calves brought in an average profit of $46.63 per head, while calves considered nervous and aggressive made only $7.62.
- Gary Fike, Mike King, Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Darrell Busby, Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity
Abstract: Effect of Hide Color and Percentage Angus on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Traits
PowerPoint: Effect of Hide Color and Percentage Angus - A black hide isn’t always enough to see a black and white bonus. Research from an expansive database indicates cattle with a higher percentage Angus genetic influence were associated with improved feedlot performance, improved health, higher quality grade and higher Certified Angus Beef ® brand acceptance.
- Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC, Wooster, OH
Trends in the Choice-Select Spread and Implications to Cattle Producers
Summary: What the Choice-Select spread is trying to say - Cattle are sold by the pound, but the price per pound can make as much difference as total weight, when it comes to the bottom line. That’s why producers who aim for profit weigh everything that goes into that price. The Choice-Select spread has been a leading indicator for decades, but a current analysis suggests it can mislead if taken at face value. Producers today must lift their gaze to the relative values of premium Choice and Prime beef if they want to monitor the market, says Mark McCully, assistant vice president of supply for Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB).
- W.D. Busby, D. Strohbehn, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; G.D. Fike, and M.E. King, Certified Angus Beef LLC, Wooster, OH.
Abstract: Feedlot Performance and Carcass Traits for Southeast or Midwest Calves.
Summary: Animal science: Southeastern calves still improving
PowerPoint: Feedlot Performance and Carcass Traits for Southeast or Midwest Calves - For decades, cattle from the southeastern U.S. have sold at a discount compared to cattle from the Midwest. Data says they deserve better, according to a beef cattle specialist with Certified Angus Beef LLC. An eight-year study shows that a higher percentage of Angus-type calves from the Southeast qualified for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand. That could be due to an age difference, but the study shows a distinct and widening health advantage over Midwestern calves, too.
- John Lawrence, Iowa State University
Analysis article: Assessing the Cost of Beef Quality Revisited
Summary: Cost, benefits of beef quality - Beef producers manage cattle and resources based on market incentives, but that’s no simple task when the signals change faster than they can adjust. Step back and look at where money comes from, where it goes and how to keep some at the ranch and feedlot. Iowa State University (ISU) helped producers do that with a 2002 study, of which Certified Angus Beef LLC sponsored this 2009 update, “Assessing the Cost of Beef Quality, Revisited.”
- Julian Leopold, Leopold Foods
Analysis article: Demand for CAB outstrips Choice
PowerPoint: CAB Brand Wholesale Demand Analysis- When times are lean, sales of luxury items are typically the first to fall off. However, when it comes to beef, it appears that consumer demand for the higher quality and pricier Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand held up better than that for USDA Choice or lower grade beef.
- When times are lean, sales of luxury items are typically the first to fall off. However, when it comes to beef, it appears that consumer demand for the higher quality and pricier Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand held up better than that for USDA Choice or lower grade beef.
- Larry Corah and Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Quality Grades: What is Driving the Recent Upswing?
SUMMARY: Quick Quality- How quickly the beef quality quandary changed. Just three years ago, we pondered a 30-year decline in quality grades. Then, shaking off the depression, grades headed higher in late 2007, and by July 2009, 60.1% of federally graded cattle for the year had graded Choice. This paper explores the reasons for that unprecedented 7.5-percentage-point shift. Distillers grain byproducts and genetics play major roles.
- Andy Herring, Texas A & M University
Genetic Aspects of Marbling in Beef Carcasses
Summary: Genetics and marbling
- This literature review encompasses 52 studies spanning several decades, addressing the genetics of marbling, including breed comparisons that show the innate Angus ability to marble. It also points out the issue of broad ranges of marbling in U.S. cattle, where a typical pen may vary in final grade from Standard to Prime grade although typically fed together to a common end point
- Gary Fike, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Abstract: Effect of trenbolone acetate on lot feedlot performance and Certified Angus Beef ® acceptance rate of beef steers and heifers
PowerPoint: Effect of trenbolone acetate on lot feedlot performance and Certified Angus
Beef ® acceptance rate of beef steers and heifers - Maximizing quality and efficiency calls for different implanting strategies on steers versus heifers. A Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) seven-year study characterized the effect of trenbolone acetate (TBA) growth implants on both sexes.
- Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Abstract: The value of marbling in consumer acceptance of beef
Powerpoint: The value of marbling in consumer acceptance of beef
- In 1925, the USDA implemented the quality grading system to address consumer confusion related to meat quality. Since that original role, marbling has become an important component of meat quality in both the domestic and the global marketplace.
- In 1925, the USDA implemented the quality grading system to address consumer confusion related to meat quality. Since that original role, marbling has become an important component of meat quality in both the domestic and the global marketplace.
- John Stika, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Abstract: Graduate student career opportunities in the animal science industry
Powerpoint: Graduate student career opportunities in the animal science industry
- Globalization, consolidation, technological advancement and a more vocal consumer have each contributed to dramatic changes within animal agriculture during the past decade.
- Globalization, consolidation, technological advancement and a more vocal consumer have each contributed to dramatic changes within animal agriculture during the past decade.
- Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Abstract: Development of a corn-based beef industry a historical perspective
Summary: Development of a corn-based beef industry
- The development of a beef industry, heavily dependent on corn utilization, began to occur in the 1940's. It started as a means to add value to grain while improving consumer acceptance of beef.
- The development of a beef industry, heavily dependent on corn utilization, began to occur in the 1940's. It started as a means to add value to grain while improving consumer acceptance of beef.
- Darrell Busby, Iowa State University
Abstract: Effect of health on feedlot performance and carcass traits in beef calves
Summary: Lung adhesions:the invisible cost
- When cattle get sick, it hurts performance and quality. But it’s not always easy to tell those cattle from the healthy ones. Cattle with chronic pneumonia can cost producers nearly $80 per head, without showing signs of illness.
- When cattle get sick, it hurts performance and quality. But it’s not always easy to tell those cattle from the healthy ones. Cattle with chronic pneumonia can cost producers nearly $80 per head, without showing signs of illness.
- Gary D. Fike, Michael E. King, W.D. Busby
Abstract: Factors Affecting Lot CAB Acceptance Rate of Beef Calves in the Iowa Tri-County Steer carcass Futurity
Summary: Factors that affect CAB rate
- Most beef producers own at least some Angus cattle. They may have wondered what it takes for their calves to qualify for the Certified Angus Beef ®(CAB ®) brand.
- Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Abstract: Effect of Percentage Angus on feedlot performance and carcass traits in beef calves
Summary: Angus influence affects efficiency, carcass merit
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Successful producers have always tried to raise high-quality, high-performing cattle, but may have felt compelled to choose one ideal over the other. That’s not necessary,
according to a recent analysis of data from the Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity
(TCSCF).
-
Successful producers have always tried to raise high-quality, high-performing cattle, but may have felt compelled to choose one ideal over the other. That’s not necessary,
- Darrell Busby, Iowa State University
Effects of region of origin, southeast versus Midwest, on feedlot performance and carcass traits in beef calves
Summary: Southeastern cattle stack up
- Calves from 15 states fed at ten Iowa feedlots through the Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity over six years were used to evaluate the effect of origin of calves on feedlot performance and carcass traits. A common diet was fed and similar implant and health programs were administered to all calves.
- Calves from 15 states fed at ten Iowa feedlots through the Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity over six years were used to evaluate the effect of origin of calves on feedlot performance and carcass traits. A common diet was fed and similar implant and health programs were administered to all calves.
- Daryl Tatum, Colorado State University
Producing Flavorful Beef
Summary: Marbling governs beef flavor - Great taste is the primary reason consumers make beef their food of choice for a great dining experience. Research conducted on consumer preferences for various protein sources has shown a pleasurable eating experience is the number one driver of protein selection, whether dining at home or in a restaurant.
- Twig Marston, Kansas State University
The Relationship Between Marbling and Other EPDs with Implications When Making Beef Cow Herd Breeding and Management Decisions
Summary: Cows That Work, Calves That Grade- Marston revisits his original research on the influence of selecting for marbling in a beef herd. Many beef producers struggle with priorities when it comes to genetic selection. When it comes to marbling, producers don’t have to sacrifice other traits to gain market rewards for carcass quality.
- Marston revisits his original research on the influence of selecting for marbling in a beef herd. Many beef producers struggle with priorities when it comes to genetic selection. When it comes to marbling, producers don’t have to sacrifice other traits to gain market rewards for carcass quality.
- Cattle-Fax
Certified Angus Beef Value of Quality Analysis- What would happen to beef prices if all premium quality categories, brands and classifications, went away? Cattle-Fax prepared an analysis showing the value added by these categories, illustrating the value of quality improvement in the beef industry.
- What would happen to beef prices if all premium quality categories, brands and classifications, went away? Cattle-Fax prepared an analysis showing the value added by these categories, illustrating the value of quality improvement in the beef industry.
- Larry Corah and Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Declining Quality Grades: A Review of Factors Reducing Marbling Deposition in Beef Cattle
- Quality grades are on a continual decline, despite greater price incentives and availability of selection tools for carcass traits. Management, health, and feeding trends all contribute to the challenge.
- Quality grades are on a continual decline, despite greater price incentives and availability of selection tools for carcass traits. Management, health, and feeding trends all contribute to the challenge.
- Gary Fike, Certified Angus Beef LLC
Traits of cattle that hit a quality target
Summary: That's what I'm talkin' about!- Detailed carcass and production data from 12,000 head of slaughter steers and heifers representing 134 lots of cattle harvested throughout 2005 were analyzed in this study. Implant use and effect on quality were evaluated across acceptance rate groups. Also, the feedlot performance and carcass traits of cattle were evaluated based onCertified Angus Beef ®acceptance rates among lot-sized groups of cattle.
- Detailed carcass and production data from 12,000 head of slaughter steers and heifers representing 134 lots of cattle harvested throughout 2005 were analyzed in this study. Implant use and effect on quality were evaluated across acceptance rate groups. Also, the feedlot performance and carcass traits of cattle were evaluated based onCertified Angus Beef ®acceptance rates among lot-sized groups of cattle.
- Twig Marston, Kansas State University
The Relationship Between Marbling and Other EPDs with Implications When Making Beef Cow Herd Breeding and Management Decisions
The Impact of Selecting for Marbling on Beef Cow Herds
Summary: Marbling or Functionality? You Can Have it All.- Marbling should be part of balanced selection. This scientific review shows there is actually a positive correlation between marbling and cowherd-friendly traits, like birth and weaning weight.
- Marbling should be part of balanced selection. This scientific review shows there is actually a positive correlation between marbling and cowherd-friendly traits, like birth and weaning weight.
- Susan Duckett, University of Georgia
Effect of Nutrition and Management Practices on Marbling Deposition and Composition
Summary: Stacking Management Traits for Marbling- Want to increase carcass value? It's not all about genetics. From nutrition to days on feed, many management practices can positively contribute to marbling in cattle.
- Robbi Pritchard, South Dakota State University
Implant Strategies for High Quality Grade Beef Production
Summary: Marbling Myths Debunked- Potency and current diet determine what effect an implant will have on carcass quality. Research shows that certain implants only fit certain situations. With careful management, implants can have a positive impact on growth without affecting marbling.
- Robert Larson, DVM, University of Missouri
The Effect of Cattle Disease on Carcass Traits
Summary: Effects of Health on Carcass Traits- Cattle that get sick don't perform or grade as well as healthy cattle. The longer it takes to get over illness and the more times they have it, the ability to marble continues to drop. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and other post-weaning illnesses may be infecting your bottom line.
- Larry Berger, University of Illinois
Nutritional and Management Factors Affecting Marbling Deposition
Summary: Marbling Potential Is That All There Is?- Start early, with a whole-system approach to manage cattle for quality. This research addresses creep feeding, high-grain diets, and interactions with vitamins A and D.
- Jacob Nelson, Oklahoma State University
Characterization of Certified Angus Beef ® Steaks from the Round, Loin and Chuck
Summary: Defining the Certified Angus Beef ®product difference
- Certified Angus Beef ® steaks are more consistently tender than commodity Choice and Select. This was proven using both sensory panels and the Warner-Bratzler Shear Force Test for tenderness.
- Gary Smith, Colorado State University
Why People Eat Beef- People's diets are affected by everything from religion and history to personal preference. Here's a look at the many nutritional reasons to eat beef and the variables that affect the beef eating experience.
- Harlan Ritchie, Michigan State University
Strategies for Managing Marbling in Beef Cattle- After choosing a breed and genetics, management plays a large role in determining marbling in beef cattle. From creep feeding and implanting to calf health and age of harvest, this paper reviews the many options producers can implement.