The achievement of a given carcass specification is under moderate genetic control in cattle.
J Anim Sci
; 98(6)2020 Jun 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32459312
ABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters associated with the achievement of desirable weight, conformation, and fat specifications, represented by a series of binary traits. The desired specifications were those stipulated by Irish beef processors, in accordance with the EUROP carcass grading system, and were represented by a carcass weight between 270 and 380 kg, a fat score between 2+ and 4= (between 6 and 11 on a 15-point scale), and a conformation score of O= or better (≥5 on a 15-point scale). Using data from 58,868 beef carcasses, variance components were estimated using linear mixed models for these binary traits, as well as their underlying continuous measures. Heritability estimates for the continuous traits ranged from 0.63 to 0.73; heritability estimates for the binary traits ranged from 0.05 to 0.19. An additional trait was defined to reflect if all desired carcass specifications were met. All genetic correlations between this trait and the individual contributing binary traits were positive (0.38 to 0.87), while all genetic correlations between this trait and the continuous carcass measures were negative (-0.87 to -0.07). The genetic parameters estimated in the present study signify that potential exists to breed cattle that more consistently achieve desirable carcass metrics at harvest.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Composição Corporal
/
Regulação da Expressão Gênica
/
Carne
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Anim Sci
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Irlanda