A directed search for QTL affecting carcass traits was carried out in the region of growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8, also known as myostatin) on ovine chromosome 2 in seven Texel-sired half-sib families totaling 927 progeny. Weights were recorded at birth, weaning, ultrasound scanning, and slaughter. Ultrasonic measures of LM cross-sectional dimensions and s.c. fat above the LM were made,...

The objective of this study was to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting carcass traits on chromosome 1 in Japanese quail. The populations comprised of 422 progeny in 9 half-sib families. Phenotypic data on carcass weight, carcass parts, and the internal organs were collected on 422 progeny. Nine half-sib families were genotyped for 8 microsatellite markers covering chromosomes 1...

Thirty non-castrated male lambs with 20±2.3 kg average body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to five treatments consisted of different dietary concentrations of crude glycerin (CG; 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% on DM basis) to evaluate the effects on performance, carcass and meat quality traits. A quadratic effect was observed for performance (P=0.04), final BW (P<0.01) and hot carcass weight (P<0.01). ...

leptin (lep), the expression product of the obese gene produced primarily in the adipose tissue, is related to feed intake, growth and lipid metabolism. the aim of this study was to study the possible association between polymorphism of the lep gene with growth and carcass traits among three iranian sheep breeds of the shal, zandi and zel varieties. a total of 180 purebred animals of the shal, ...

Spanish x Boer (n = 16) and Spanish x Kiko (n = 18) wethers (7 mo) and bucklings (5 mo) were harvested under USDA inspection to evaluate the effect of dam breed on carcass traits of crossbred kids. Boer and Kiko dams, respectively, originated from five and seven seedstock farms. Each dam was purebred or fullblood (93.75 to 100%). Traits of interest included live weight and conformation score, c...

The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic variation in carcass cuts predicted using digital image analysis in commercial cross-bred cattle. The data set comprised 38,404 steers and 14,318 heifers from commercial Irish herds. The traits investigated included the weights of lower value cuts (LVC), medium value cuts (MVC), high value cuts (HVC), very high value cuts (VHVC) and total ...

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations of body weight at 6 weeks of age (BW6), as well as final carcass yield, and moisture, protein, fat and ash contents, using data from 3,422 F2 chickens originated from reciprocal cross between a broiler and a layer line. Variance components were estimated by the REML method, using animal models for evaluating random ...

Feed efficiency is of particular importance to the beef industry, as feed costs represent the single largest variable cost in beef production systems. Selection for more efficient cattle will lead to reduction of feed related costs, but should not have adverse impacts on quality of the carcass. In this study, we evaluated phenotypic and genetic correlations of residual feed intake (RFI), RFI ad...

Crossbreeding of Holstein–Friesian dairy cows with both early maturing (e.g. Aberdeen Angus (AA)) and late maturing (e.g. Belgian Blue (BB)) beef breeds is commonly practised. In Ireland, genetic merit for growth rate of beef sires is expressed as expected progeny difference for carcass weight (EPDCWT). The objective of this study was to compare the progeny of Holstein–Friesian cows, sired by A...

Crossbreeding of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows with both early maturing (e.g. Aberdeen Angus (AA)) and late maturing (e.g. Belgian Blue (BB)) beef breeds is commonly practised. In Ireland, genetic merit for growth rate of beef sires is expressed as expected progeny difference for carcass weight (EPD(CWT)). The objective of this study was to compare the progeny of Holstein-Friesian cows, sired by...