ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether crude protein intake during late gastation affect growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of steer rogeny. At 134 ± 14 days prepartum, 68 multiparous Angus cows were blocked by BW and expected calving date and randomly assigned to low protein level (LP, 6% CP) or high protein level (HP, 12% CP). After calving, cows were managed together on improved pastures among lactation. After weaning at 219 ± 13 days of age, calves were managed on native pastures up to 687 ± 13 days of age and then placed in feedlot for 83 days before slaughter. Protein concentration on maternal diet had no influence on BW and growth rate during rearing or finishing phases (P> 0.10). Rib fat thickness of the steers was not affected (P = 0.38) by maternal nutrition treatments, however, LM area was greater in HP steers than LP steers at feedlot entrance (P = 0.01) and at the end of the finish phase (P = 0.04). Hot carcass weight was similar between treatments (P = 0.69), however, dressing increased in HP in relation to LP steers (P = 0.01). Longissimus muscle tenderness increased in HP compared to LP steers after 3 and 14 days (P