Least squares means, genetic (sigma g), and phenotypic (sigma p) standard deviations, and phenotypic coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated on an age-constant basis for growth, carcass, and meat traits of castrate males from 12 breed groups combined, for 9 purebreds combined, and for the F3 generation of three composite populations combined to which the nine purebreds contributed. Also, ...

The objectives were to 1) evaluate genetic relationships of sex-specific indicators of carcass merit obtained by using ultrasound with carcass traits of steers; 2) estimate genetic parameters needed to implement combined analyses of carcass and indicator traits to produce unified national cattle evaluations for LM area, subcutaneous fat depth (SQF), and marbling (MRB), with the ultimate goal of...

A whole-genome scan for carcass traits [average daily gain during the pre-weaning, growth and finishing periods; birth weight; hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area (LMA)] was performed on 328 F(2) progeny produced from Wagyu x Limousin-cross parents derived from eight founder Wagyu bulls. Nine significant (P </= 0.05) and four suggestive (P </= 0.1) QTL affecting seven growth and carc...

The objective of this study was to characterize breeds representing diverse biological types for postweaning growth and carcass composition traits in terminal crossbred cattle. Postweaning growth and carcass traits were analyzed on 434 steers and 373 heifers obtained by mating F1 cows to Charolais sires. Maternal grandsires represented Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (1⁄4 Hereford, 1⁄4 Angus, 1⁄4...

Estimates of covariances and sire expected progeny differences of additive and nonadditive genetic effects for six carcass traits were obtained using records from 486 straightbred and crossbred steers from 121 sires born between 1989 and 1995 in the Angus-Brahman multibreed herd of the University of Florida. Steers were slaughtered at a similar carcass composition end point. Covariances were es...

Although carcass trait selection programs have primarily focused on carcass marbling (quality grade), recent changes in the North American beef industry will very likely increase the economic importance of carcass composition (yield grade). Ultrasound technology is a valuable tool in these efforts. This review summarizes recent research pertaining to the role of ultrasound in improving carcass ...

The study pertains to the carcass traits of thirty yearling Sahabadi ewes that were raised under the semi intensive conditions by farmers in Bardhamman district of West Bengal. Sahabadi is one of the least studied sheep and owes its origin to Sahabad district of Bihar. The sheep bears coarse wool and is leggy. The results indicate that the dressing percentage of the ewes were low (39%). The wei...

Body weight (BW) and carcass traits are complex and important economic traits that may benefit from the implementation of MAS. The objective of the current study was to identify QTL associated with BW and carcass traits in an experimental half-sib cross of Japanese quails selected for BW at 4 weeks of age. Body weight and carcass traits were measured in the F2 population. Total F2 individuals a...

The contribution of the leucine/valine substitution at amino acid position 127 in the bovine growth hormone (GH) protein to variation in carcass traits was studied. The data included 109 Polish Friesian bulls slaughtered at 15 months of age. The traits measured were carcass gain, weights of meat, bones, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat in the carcass and meat, bones and fat in valuable cuts (...

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic and environmental parameters for carcass, carcass part, and organ weights in a paternal strain of broiler chickens that was selected mainly for body weight at 42 days of age (BW42) to provide support for poultry genetic improvement programs. A total of 1448 chickens were used that resulted from the expansion of a pure paternal strain named...