Genetic analysis of carcass traits of steers adjusted to age, weight, or fat thickness slaughter endpoints1

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability, genetic and phenotypic associations, and genetic gains of birth (BW), weaning (WW), and yearling (YW) weights, loin muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BF), rump fat thickness (RF), scores of body structure (BS), finishing precocity (FS), and muscling (MS) in Nelore cattle. Genetic parameters were obtained through Bayesian inference using BLUPF90 programs. All studied traits showed genetic variability, with heritability ranging from 0.29 to 0.47. In all studied ages, weights presented positive genetic correlations with LMA (ranging from 0.13 to 0.53), being generally stronger in comparison with the other carcass traits analyzed (BF and RF). Similarly, weights were higher genetic associated with BS (0.47–0.92) than with FS (0.18–0.62) and MS (0.22–0.65), respectively. The BF and RF showed positive and moderate genetic associations with FS and MS (0.31–0.36). Genetic trends were significant (P < 0.05) and favorable for WW, YW, and visual scores. Selection for increasing BW, WW, YW, and LMA will result in modest or no change in BF and RF (correlated response ranging from −0.04 to 0.07 mm per generation). In this population, carcass traits must be included in the selection indexes to obtain genetic gains in carcass quality, if desired.

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Growth performance and carcass traits of young nellore bulls supplemented with or without addition of lipids

Bioscience Journal ◽

10.14393/bj-v36n2a2020-42273 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Clóvis Carlos Silveira Filho ◽

Carlos Augusto de Alencar Fontes ◽

Elizabeth Fonsêca Processi ◽

Laila Cecília Ramos Bendia ◽

Paulo Roberto Silveira Pimentel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Reference Group ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Panicum Maximum ◽

Concentrate Supplementation ◽

Average Intake ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Fat Thickness

The aim of research was to evaluate the performance and characteristics of the carcasses of Nellore young bulls in grazing supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty–eight young bulls, 301 ± 5.8 kg in body weight, which four constituted the reference group and the twenty-four remnants were used in the experiment and randomly distributed into four groups according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. The total dry matter intake of the animals fed only Mombasa grass did not differ from the average intake of the three treatments supplemented with concentrate. There were no differences (P>0.05) between Mombasa grass and diets with concentrate, supplementation with or without lipid and lipids sources in the carcass traits, gastrointestinal tract, organs and loin eye area. Nellore bulls receiving concentrate increased subcutaneous fat thickness compared with bulls that received only Mombasa grass. Nellore young bulls fed Mombasa grass only, supplemented with or without addition of lipids were similar regarding growth performance and carcass traits.

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Relationships between residual feed intake and feedlot performance, profitability, and carcass traits in Brahman cattle

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-4162-9526 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 525-534 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Favero ◽

I.Y. Mizubuti ◽

R.C. Gomes ◽

E.L.A. Ribeiro ◽

E.S. Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Live Weight ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Feedlot Performance ◽

Brahman Cattle ◽

Fat Thickness

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the feedlot performance, profitability and carcass traits of Brahman bulls classified according to the residual feed intake (RFI). Twenty-four bulls (19-month old, 370±34kg live weight) were housed in individual pens for 54 days and had the daily feed intake (observed dry matter intake, DMIobs; DMI % live weight, LW) and average daily gain (ADG) measured. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed at the initial and final weighings, when measurements were taken of Longissimus dorsi area, ratio, Longissimus and Biceps femoris fat thickness. The animals were ranked and divided into high (>+0.5 standard deviation; SD), medium (between ±0.5 SD from the mean), and low (<-0.5 SD) RFI groups. Low-RFI animals had lower DMIobs (P<0.10) and DMI % LW (P<0.05). No significant differences in initial and final weight or ADG were noticed (P>0.05). Low-RFI animals showed lower weight gain cost and higher daily profit (P<0.05). Carcass traits were similar between groups, regardless of evaluation date (P>0.05). Selection for RFI lead to animals with lower feed intake without affecting weight gain or carcass traits, thereby providing increased profitability for beef cattle farming.

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Evaluation of electronic meat-measuring equipment in predicting carcass composition in the live pig

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s0003356100036679 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 97-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

S. M. Joyal ◽

S. D. M. Jones ◽

B. W. Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Measuring Equipment ◽

Treatment Effects ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Live Weight ◽

Carcass Composition ◽

Total Weight ◽

Backfat Thickness ◽

Yorkshire Pigs ◽

Fat Thickness

AbstractAn electronic meat-measuring equipment (EMME) determination (average of three consecutive readings) and backfat thickness (averaged over two sites) were taken on each of 107 live Yorkshire pigs weighing approximately 110 kg. After slaughter, 10 carcass traits: killing out, grade fat (fat thickness at maximum loin of split carcass), in. longissimus area, total and individual weights of the four untrimmed primal cuts (butt, picnic, loin and ham) and total weight of lean and subcutaneous fat in the four primal cuts, were measured and used to evaluate the EMME and ultrasound backfat probe, alone and in combination, in predicting carcass merit. Value of prediction was measured as significant improvement in correlation over a base model (A/?2). After adjustment for live weight and treatment (diet, sex and housing) differences, the EMME alone was significant in predicting grade fat (A/?2 = 007), weight of the four untrimmed primal cuts (A/?2 = 0·03) and weights of ham (A/?2 = 0·04), lean (A/?2 = 0·17) and subcutaneous fat (A/?2 = 0·08). Backfat thickness alone was significant in predicting grade fat (AR2 = 0·21) and the weights of loin (AR2 = 0·03), ham (AR2 = 0·02), lean (AR2 = 0·09) and subcutaneous fat (AR2 = 0·42). Their combined information was superior in predicting fat thickness (AR2 = 0·24), weight of lean (AR2 = 0·21) and weight of subcutaneous fat (AR2 = 0·44). Similar results were obtained when treatment effects were ignored. Correlations of the EMME number with fat thickness, weight of total lean and total subcutaneous fat were 0·31, 0·49 and -0·30, respectively. Correlations of backfat thickness with grade fat, weight of total lean and total subcutaneous fat were 0·53, -0·35 and 0·72, respectively.

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Single Loci and Haplotypes in CAPN1 and CAST Genes are Associated with Growth, Biometrics, and in Vivo Carcass Traits in Santa Inês Sheep

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.2478/aoas-2020-0007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 465-483

Author(s):

Alessandro Lima Machado ◽

Ariana Nascimento Meira ◽

Evandro Neves Muniz ◽

Hymerson Costa Azevedo ◽

Luiz Lehmann Coutinho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Length ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Single Locus ◽

Additive Effects ◽

Body Depth ◽

Single Locus Analysis ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Santa Inês ◽

Daily Gain

Abstractµ-calpain (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) genes play key roles in protein turnover. The present study aimed to identify the variants in these genes associated with growth and ultrasound carcass traits in Santa Inês sheep. A sample of 192 no full sibling Santa Inês lambs was used. Fragments of the CAST and CAPN1 genes were amplified and next-generation sequencing was performed in the MiSeq platform. Variants in the CAPN1 and CAST sequences were then detected using bioinformatic tools. Withers and croup heights, body length, thoracic and croup widths, thoracic and leg girths, body depth, carcass fat score, rib eye area, fat thickness, body weights were recorded at weaning and at 140 days post-weaning, and average daily gain post-weaning was calculated. Both single-locus and haplotype association analyses were performed with the model as follows: farm (2 levels), year (4 levels), the month of birth (12 levels), and the covariate age of the animal. The fragments amplified included 4,514 bp between the 20th and 23rd exons of CAST as well as 3,927 bp between the 12th and 21st exons of CAPN1. In these regions, 58 (CAST) and 45 (CAPN1) variants were identified. In the CAST gene, the single-locus analysis revealed 22 suggestive additive effects (P<0.05) on several growth and carcass traits. Moreover, haplotype substitutions were associated with rib eye area (–0.689±0.290), average daily gain (–23.6±10.4), thoracic girth (–2.72±1.27), body length (–3.38±1.49), and leg girth (–2.84±1.37). Regarding the CAPN1 gene, the single-locus analysis identified seven suggestive additive effects, while only one haplotype replacement effect on fat thickness (–0.0143±0.0053) was detected. The results of the present study suggest that variants in the CAPN1 and CAST genes are associated with growth and ultrasound carcass traits in Santa Inês sheep, which may be a source of information to improve knowledge regarding the genetic control of these traits.

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Genetic analysis of growth, visual scores, height, and carcass traits in Nelore cattle

Animal Science Journal ◽

10.1111/asj.13611 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 92 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Duarte Silveira ◽

Patrícia Iana Schmidt ◽

Gabriel Soares Campos ◽

Lucas Vargas ◽

Fabio Ricardo Pablos Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Analysis ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Nelore Cattle

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Ultrasonography as a predicting tool for carcass traits of young Nellore crossbred bulls in a feedlot system

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200013016 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 2003 ◽

pp. 142-142

Author(s):

L. Suguisawa* ◽

H. N. Oliveira ◽

W. R. S. Mattos ◽

A. A. Souza ◽

M. D. B. Arrigoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Longissimus Dorsi ◽

Live Animal ◽

Ribeye Area ◽

Ultrasound Technology ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Real Time Ultrasonography

Ultrasound technology provides a oportunity to quickly and economically estimate carcass atributes on the live animal (Brethour, 2000). In general, this technology has been used to detect variation for fat depth and ribeye area (longissimus dorsi muscle) in performance tested yearling bulls at several countries. In the present study, real time ultrasonography was used to predict the ribeye area (RA) and the subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) in Nellore crossbred.

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Contributions of preweaning growth information and maternal effects for prediction of carcass trait breeding values among crossbred beef cattle

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/a98-052 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. 17-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

D. H. Crews Jr. ◽

R. A. Kemp

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Beef Cattle ◽

Maternal Effects ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Carcass Trait ◽

Genetic Effects ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Ribeye Area ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Daily Gain

Preweaning and carcass trait records from crossbred steers (n = 1015) and heifers (n = 957) were used to estimate genetic parameters and to investigate the efficacy of maternal effects and preweaning growth information for improving estimation of EBV for carcass traits for crossbred beef cattle. Dams (n = 775) representing three F1 and twelve back-cross combinations involving the Charolais, Hereford, Angus, Simmental and Shorthorn breeds were mated over six years to Limousin bulls (n = 36) at two locations in western Canada. Four animal models, involving from zero to three maternal (co)variances were used to analyze four carcass traits. Rank and simple correlations indicated that maternal effects were relatively unimportant for estimation of direct carcass trait breeding values. Direct heritabilities were 0.28, 0.12 and 0.16 for birth weight, preweaning daily gain and weaning weight, and were 0.20, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.38 for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, ribeye area and percent lean yield, respectively. Maternal heritabilities were 0.21, 0.22 and 0.40 for birth weight, preweaning daily gain and weaning weight, respectively. Estimated genetic correlations between percent lean yield and hot carcass weight, fat thickness and ribeye area were –0.05, –0.85 and 0.39, respectively, and 0.30 between hot carcass weight and ribeye area. Direct genetic effects for birth weight had moderate (0.51 to 0.54) correlations with direct effects for carcass weight, ribeye area and percent lean yield. Direct genetic effects for fat thickness were negatively correlated with direct effects for birth weight (−0.44), preweaning daily gain (−0.15) and weaning weight (−0.25). Maternal genetic effects for preweaning traits had near-zero correlations with direct genetic effects for fat thickness and percent lean yield. Adding preweaning growth information to genetic evaluations for carcass traits slightly decreased prediction error variances for breeding values and would be recommended when information on carcass traits is limited. Key words: Genetic evaluation, carcass traits, beef cattle

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40 Effect of calving season in an artificial insemination program on finishing performance and carcass traits

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz397.137 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 60-60

Author(s):

Taylor J Garcia ◽

Colton A Robison ◽

Paul A Beck ◽

Ryan R Reuter ◽

Blake K Wilson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tallgrass Prairie ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Weight Yield ◽

Ribeye Area ◽

Wheat Pasture ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Calving Season

Abstract Spring (SPRING) and fall (FALL) born steers (n = 211) were used in a mixed effects model to evaluate calving season and conception method [artificial insemination (AI) or natural service (NS)] on finishing performance and carcass traits. SPRING were weaned in October, grazed dormant range for 90 days and grazed wheat pasture for 90 days before shipping to finish. FALL were weaned in May, and grazed tallgrass prairie for 120 days before shipping to finish. Initial and final BW, days on feed, ADG, DMI, and gain to feed efficiency were evaluated as performance measures. Dry matter intake and gain:feed were analyzed on pen basis. Hot carcass weight, yield grade, fat thickness, ribeye area, and marbling score were collected at harvest. Bodyweight of SPRING and AI steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) entering and leaving the feedlot than FALL and NS steers, respectively. Compared to FALL steers, ADG (P < 0.01) and DMI (P = 0.03) were greater for SPRING and required less days on feed (P ≤ 0.05). Calving season and conception method (P ≥ 0.2) did not affect gain:feed. Conception method (P = 0.5) did not affect ADG, DMI, and days on feed. SPRING had higher yield grades (P < 0.01) and increased in fat thickness (P = 0.01) compared to FALL steers. There were no differences (P = 0.2) in hot carcass weight, ribeye area, and marbling score due to season of birth. Steers born from AI mating had greater hot carcass weight (P = 0.01) and marbling score (P = 0.02), but conception method did not affect yield grade, fat thickness, and ribeye area (P > 0.2). These results demonstrate SPRING steers are heavier entering and leaving the feedlot, have higher ADG and DMI, and require less days on feed; however, gain:feed, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, and marbling score did not differ from FALL steers. An economic analysis is needed to validate an AI program based on calving season in north-central Oklahoma.

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Effect of selected factors on basic reproduction, growth and carcass traits and meat production in Texel sheep

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun201159050247 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 59 (5) ◽

pp. 247-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ladislav Štolc ◽

Martin Ptáček ◽

Luděk Stádník ◽

Marek Lux

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Live Weight ◽

Meat Production ◽

Data Set ◽

Ewe Lambs ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Ram Lambs ◽

And Gender ◽

Daily Gain

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of lambing year, sire effect, parity of ewes’ lambing (PL) and gender on selected indicators of meat production and fertility in a Texel sheep herd. The evaluation proceeded for a period of 5 years, when 356 ewe – lambs and 321 Texel ram – lambs were monitored. Processing of the data set was done by the SAS program, GLM procedure. The lambing year had a significant effect (P < 0.05; 0.01) on all indicators observed except litter size. The sire effect was found to be significantly (P < 0.05; 0.01) related to all indicators monitored. The significant differences (P < 0.01) were found in fat thickness and lambs’ muscularity. The frequency of lambs’ gender was not significantly affected by the litter size and number of lambs weaned. Lambs’ gender affected the MLLT depth of lambs nonsignificantly. Litter size, as well as the number of weaned lambs, increased with the higher PL (1.44 with primiparas, 2.17 with ewes at the 5th and subsequent lambings, P < 0.01; resp. 1.31 with primiparas, 2.01 with ewes at the 5th and subsequent lambings, P < 0.01). The live weight at 100 days of age was significantly lower in lambs from the 5th and following litters, as well as the daily gain from birth till 100 days of age (DG 100) and MLLT depth in comparison to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th litters (P < 0.05). On the average, ram – lambs reached a higher live weight at 100 days of age (+1.79 kg, P < 0.01), and DG 100 in contrast to female (+17.22 g, P < 0.01).

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