Breed effects on live weight gain, slaughter characteristics and carcass composition were compared in Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental bulls. The experiment extended over 2 years and involved totally 96 animals. The target slaughter liveweights were determined 550 kg for earlier maturing breeds Aberdeen Angus and Hereford and 630 kg for later maturing breeds Charolais and Simmental. Charolais and Simmental gained more rapidly (P lt; 0.05) than Aberdeen Angus while Hereford were intermediate. Hereford had lower (P lt; 0.05) dressing percentage than the other breeds. Percentages of grade I meat were significantly higher (P lt; 0.05) in Charolais and Simmental.