Lizaso, G., Beriain, M^a. J., Horcada, A., Chasco, J. and Purroy, A. 2011. Effect of intended purpose (dairy/beef production) on beef quality. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 97–102. Fifteen Pirenaica (beef) heifers and fifteen Holstein-Friesian (dairy) heifers were compared to consider the effect of intended purpose of the breed on meat quality. Animals were slaughtered at around 12.4 mo of age. Carcass weight was 247.6 kg for Pirenaica and 229.2 kg for Holstein-Friesian heifers. pH_24hours, moisture, fat, protein, ash, water holding capacity, CIE L*a*b* and C* and H* values, collagen content, and shear force were determined in longissimus dorsi muscle. Sensory analysis of meat was performed to obtain the texture profile, scored by a trained taste panel. Sensorial differences of meat were mainly in relation to higher fat content observed in Holstein-Friesian (2.87%) vs. Pirenaica breed (1.82%) (P<0.01). Total and soluble collagen contents for the two breeds differed (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) but did not result in different meat tenderness scores by taste panelists. Higher water-holding capacity in meat of Holstein-Friesian was observed (P<0.01). CIE L*a*b*, coordinates C* and H* values were not different between breeds. Sustained juiciness and oiliness were higher in Holstein-Friesian than Pirenaica (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Results suggest that beef characteristics of young heifers of dairy and beef breeds are similar with the exception of characteristics related to juiciness.