Phenotypic characteristics of chemical composition of m. longissimus dorsi in Croatian Simmental bulls phenotypic characteristics oF CHEmiCal ComPosition oF m. lonGissimus dorsi in Croatian simmEntal bulls

Simmental breed is known as a dual purpose breed widely spread in the Republic of Croatia. It represents more than two thirds of overall cattle population in Croatia. In this experiment we have focused on chemical components (dry matter, water, protein, fat and ash) in musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) and its phenotypic characteristics. The trial comprised 710 young bulls, the progeny of sires chosen for artificial insemination (AI), during the period of 13 years. Average chemical composition of MLD was as follows: dry matter 24,87±0,04%, water 75,13±0,04%, protein 20,66±0,05%, fat (ether extract) 3,12±0,06% and ash 1,10±0,002%. We have calculated phenotypic correlations among chemical components and analyzed various influences for all components. All calculations were made in SAS 8.0 (Statistical Analysis System) and Statistica 7.1. Phenotypic correlations between dry matter and water, protein, fat and ash were -1,000, 0,159, 0,533 and -0,164 respectively. Correlations between water and protein, fat and ash were -0,159, -0,533 and 0,164 respectively. Correlation coefficient between protein and fat was -0,750; between protein and ash -0,026 and between fat and ash -0,113. All correlations were significant (p<0,01) except between protein and ash. Influence of year, season, month and sire on chemical composition of MLD was significant (p < 0,001). Phenotypic correlations estimates indicate that investi-