Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters for ultrasound and carcass merit traits in crossbred beef cattle

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Miar ◽  
G. S. Plastow ◽  
H. L. Bruce ◽  
S. S. Moore ◽  
O. N. Durunna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
Lean Meat ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Ribeye Area ◽  
Carcass Merit

Miar, Y., Plastow, G. S., Bruce, H. L., Moore, S. S., Durunna, O. N., Nkrumah, J. D. and Wang, Z. 2014. Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters for ultrasound and carcass merit traits in crossbred beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 273–280. Ultrasound measurements of 852 crossbred steers along with carcass merit measurements on 756 of them were used to examine their genetic and phenotypic parameters. Traits including ultrasound backfat thickness (UBF), ultrasound ribeye area (UREA), ultrasound marbling (UMAR), carcass weight (CWT), carcass grade fat (CGF), carcass average backfat thickness (CABF), carcass ribeye area (CREA), carcass marbling score (CMAR), and carcass lean meat yield (CLMY) were measured on 6 yr of residual feed intake trials from 2003 to 2008. Pairwise bivariate animal models were performed for each combination of traits using ASReml software to estimate heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations among the traits. Significant fixed effects (contemporary group, and sire breed), covariates (age of dam, slaughter weight, and start test age of animal), and random additive effect were fitted in the models. The heritability estimates for UBF, UREA, UMAR, CWT, CGF, CABF, CREA, CMAR, and CLMY were 0.31, 0.17, 0.37, 0.40, 0.22, 0.25, 0.24, 0.38, and 0.28, respectively. Most of the phenotypic correlations were significant (P<0.05). CWT had low to moderate phenotypic correlations with most of the traits. Results show that heavier CWT tends to have more UREA, CGF, CABF, and CREA. Genetic correlations among these traits varied from weak to strong, but most of them were not significantly different from zero. Greater CREA may lead to decreased UMAR, and UBF due to negative genetic correlations (−0.56±0.32, and −0.45±0.23, respectively). The results support the potential value of ultrasound technology in crossbreed beef cattle breeding programs to generate indicator traits for carcass quality. In addition, carcass lean meat yield correlated favourably with backfat thickness and rib eye area but correlated unfavourably with UMAR. The estimated genetic parameters for ultrasound and carcass merit traits can be incorporated into breeding programs that emphasize carcass quality in Canadian crossbred beef cattle populations.

Heritability and correlation estimates of Warner-Bratzler shear force and carcass traits from Angus-, Charolais-, Hereford-, and Simmental-sired cattle

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Minick ◽  
M. E. Dikeman ◽  
E. J. Pollak ◽  
D. E. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Shear Force ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Ribeye Area

Heritabilities and correlations of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), marbling score (MS), hot carcass weight (HCW),12–13th rib-fat (FAT), and ribeye area (REA) were calculated from 3360 Angus-, Charolais-, Hereford-, and Simmental-sired cattle in the C attleman’s Beef Board Carcass Merit Project. The heritabilities (± SE) for WBSF, MS, HCW, FAT, and REA were 0.34 ± 0.25, 0.43 ± 0.28, 0.73 ± 0.35, 0.16 ± 0.19, and 0.56 ± 0.31 in Angus; 0.43 ± 0.22, 0.30 ± 0.18, 0.21 ± 0.16, 0.35 ± 0.20, and 0.23 ± 0.16 in Charolais; 0.12 ± 0.11, 0.55 ± 0.22, 0.20 ± 0.14, 0.25 ± 0.15 and 0.34 ± 0.17 in Hereford; and 0.16 ± 0.14, 0.44 ± 0.20, 0.45 ± 0.20, 0.23 ± 0.16, and 0.30 ± 0.18 in Simmental. The genetic correlations, averaged across analysis type, for WBSF-MS, WBSF-HCW, WBSF-FAT, WBSF-REA, MS-HCW, MS-FAT, MS-REA, HCW-FAT, HCW-REA, and FAT-REA were -0.17, 0.32, -0.23, 0.30, 0.10, -0.17, 0.39, -0.15, 0.68, and -0.86 in Angus; -0.42, 0.77, 0.52, -0.05, -0.44, -0.22, -0.19, 0.66, -0.05, and -0.24 in Charolais; -0.43, -0.04, -0.33, 0.09, 0.08, 0.79, -0.14, -0.26, 0.50, and -0.38 in Hereford; and 0.55, 0.08, 0.62, -0.08, 0.30, 0.61, -0.14, 0.06, 0.65, and -0.48 in Simmental. Key words: Beef cattle, genetic parameters, carcass quality, tenderness

Predicting lean meat yield in beef cattle using ultrasonic muscle depth and width measurements

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Bergen ◽  
D. H. Crews ◽  
Jr., S. P. Miller ◽  
J. J. McKinnon
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Ultrasound Measurement ◽  
Independent Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
Lean Meat ◽  
Ultrasound Measurements ◽  
Width Measurements ◽  
Highly Correlated

The value of live ultrasound longissimus dorsi depth and width measurements as predictors of estimated carcass lean meat yield of steers (CARLEAN-S) and bulls (CARLEAN-B) was studied. In trial 1, equations were developed to predict estimated lean meat yield of steers (n = 116) from carcass weight (Eq. 1) or liveweight (Eq. 2), fat depth and l. dorsi area or liveweight, fat depth and l. dorsi depth × width (Eq. 3). Equation 1 was most precise (RSD = 25.6 g kg-1), followed by Eq. 2 (RSD = 27.8g kg-1) and Eq. 3 (RSD = 30.2g kg-1). Equations 2 and 3 predicted CARLEAN-S with similar accuracy (SEP = 23.8 vs. 24.9 g kg-1, respectively) and were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.89) in an independent data set (n = 118). Repeatability and accuracy of pre-slaughter l. dorsi depth and width measurements were studied in yearling bulls (trial 2; n = 191). When ultrasound measurements were expressed as a percentage of the average ultrasound measurement, repeatabilities of l. dorsi depth (SER = 6.2 to 7.8%) and width (SER = 4.2 to 6.1%) measurements were similar to fat depth and l. dorsi area measurements (SER = 17.9 and 4.5%, respectively). When ultrasound measurements were compared to the corresponding carcass measurements, l. dorsi depth (SEP = 10.3 to 13.9%) and width (SEP = 6.7 to 8.5%) measurements were as accurate as fat depth and l. dorsi area measurements (SEP = 32.9 and 8.4%, respectively). Equations were developed to predict CARLEAN-B of yearling bulls (n = 82) from liveweight, 12th rib ultrasound fat depth and either l. dorsi depth × width measurements (Eqs. 4 and 5) or two l. dorsi depth measurements (Eq. 6). All equations had similar precision (RSD = 19.4 to 19.5 g kg-1) and predicted CARLEAN-B similarly (SEP = 25.0, 24.6 and 26.1g kg-1 for Eqs. 4, 5 and 6, respectively) in an independent data set (n = 109). All equations were highly correlated (r ≥0.97) with an equation using ultrasound fat depth and l. dorsi area in the independent data set. Longissimus muscle depth and width measurements were as valuable as l. dorsi area for predicting carcass composition of yearling beef bulls in the present study. Key words: Ultrasound, beef cattle, carcass traits

scholarly journals Estimates of direct and maternal genetic parameters for weight traits and backfat thickness in a multibreed population of beef cattle

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Tosh ◽  
R. A. Kemp ◽  
D. R. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Maternal Effects ◽  
Variance Components ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Ratio Test ◽  
Environmental Correlations

Variance components were estimated for weight at birth, weaning, and 365 d of age, and yearling ultrasonic backfat thickness in a multibreed population of beef cattle. Data (n = 5880) were available on F1 animals and various crosses leading up to, and including, a composite breed (7/16 British, 1/4 Charolais, 1/4 Simmental, and 1/16 Limousin). Single- and two-trait analyses were conducted using an animal model and derivative-free REML procedures. Covariates representing fractional contributions of each of the four purebred groups and average heterotic effects, both direct and maternal, accounted for breed composition. Direct and maternal genetic, maternal permanent environmental, and residual effects were the random variables. Only minor differences existed between parameter estimates obtained from the various analyses. Mean direct heritabilities were 0.51, 0.33, 0.48, and 0.37 for weight at birth, weaning, and 365-d, and backfat, respectively, which, though well within the range of published estimates, seemed higher than average, indicating diversity in the founding purebreds. Mean maternal heritabilites were 0.09, 0.13, and 0.08 for the three consecutive weights. A likelihood ratio test showed maternal heritability and(or) the direct-maternal correlation was important (P < 0.001) for 365-d weight. Averaged across weights, the direct-maternal correlation was 0.07, lacking evidence of genetic antagonism. No age of dam or random maternal effects on backfat were apparent. Phenotypic correlations between weight at birth and weaning and weight at weaning and 365-d were 0.46 and 0.76, respectively. Though moderate between birth and weaning weight, maternal genetic and permanent environmental correlations between weaning and 365-d weight approached unity, demonstrating maternal carryover effects. Phenotypic and genetic correlations of 0.19 and –0.13, respectively, implied a limited association between 365-d weight and backfat, which possibly would have been stronger had fat been measured later in life. Estimates of variance components suitable for general use can be obtained from data from multibreed animals by considering breed and heterotic effects. Key words: Beef cattle, crossbreds, genetic parameters, heritability, maternal effects

The heritabilities, phenotypic correlations, and genetic correlations of lean color and palatability measures from longissimus muscle in beef cattle

2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 2931-2937 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Pratt ◽  
D. W. Moser ◽  
L. D. Thompson ◽  
S. P. Jackson ◽  
B. J. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations

scholarly journals 94 Genetic basis of blood traits in beef cattle and their relationship to production traits at weaning

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 29-29
Author(s):  
Josue Chinchilla-Vargas ◽  
Luke Kramer ◽  
Toby D Lester ◽  
Toby D Lester ◽  
Elizabeth A Backes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Complete Blood Counts

Abstract Disease represents one of the main factors that determine profitability in animal production. Previous research has observed significant correlations between blood cell counts and the animal’s health status. We hypothesize that blood cell traits may be an effective indicator of performance in beef cattle. Complete blood counts were recorded from approximately 500 crossbred animals at weaning (Angus background crossed with Hereford, Charolais, Sim-Angus, Brangus) born between 2015 and 2016 and raised on toxic or novel tall fescue on three different farms. The animals were genotyped at an approximate density of 50,000 SNPs and the genotypes were imputed to an approximate density of 200,000 SNPs. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for 15 blood and 4 production traits across and within environments. Finally, with the objective of identifying the genetic basis underlying the different blood traits, a genome wide association study (GWAS) was performed for all traits. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.11 to 0.60, and generally weak phenotypic correlations and strong genetic correlations were found, however these parameters varied across environments, pointing to GxE interactions. GWAS identified 90 1 Mb windows that explained 0.5% or more of the estimated genetic variance for at least 1 trait with 21 windows overlapping two or more traits. Further research efforts include identifying underlying candidate genes for traits and comparing toxic and novel fescue effects on blood traits. It appears that blood traits have weak phenotypic correlations but strong genetic correlations among themselves, as evidenced by important overlapping regions of genetic control for similar blood traits. However, blood traits have limited potential as indicator traits for productivity.

scholarly journals Genetic parameters of production traits of Hungarian Pig populations evaluated in separate and joint (field and station) tests

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
L. Csató ◽  
I. Nagy ◽  
J. Farkas ◽  
L. Radnóczi
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
National Database ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Large White ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Lean Meat

Abstract. Genetic parameters for various backfat measurements (BF1FT, BF2FT, BF3FT, BF1ST, BF2ST, BF3ST), average backfat thickness (ABFFT), loin muscle area (LMAFT), fat depth between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae (SF1FT), fat depth between the 3rd and 4th ribs (SF2FT), lean meat percentage (LMPFT) were estimated. The analysis was based on the national database of the field and station tests, using animal model in Hungarian Large White (LW), Hungarian Landrace (LR) breeds, and A-line of the Ka-Hyb hybrid (MLW) between May 1996–February 2001. Heritability for BFFT traits ranged between 0.15–0.35. Similar interval was received for ABFFT (0.20–0.36) but reasonably higher estimates were observed in BFST traits (0.41–0.75). SFFT heritabilies (0.18–0.37) were close to those of BFFT traits while somewhat higher values were found in LMPFT (0.26–0.45) and LMAFT (0.31–0.58). Genetic correlations were generally positive among all fat depth measurements and negative with LMPFT. Genetic correlations between LMAFT-LMPFT were positive but contradictory results were found between LMAFT and fat depth measurements. The genetic correlations between BFFT traits and their station test counterparts (BFST) varied between 0.12–0.64.

scholarly journals Heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations of the growth intensity and meat yield of pigs

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Radovic ◽  
M. Petrovic ◽  
B. Zivkovic ◽  
D. Radojkovic ◽  
N. Parunovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Growth Intensity ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
High Level ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
F1 Generation

The five year study included two genotypes of gilts of performance tested gilts, Swedish landrace and crosses F1 generation SLxLY. Of total number (n=3600), 1709 animals were genotype SL and 1891 animals were genotype SLxLY. Measuring of back fat thickness in the loin part (FT1), between 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, 7cm laterally to the back line; back fat thickness (FT2) and depth of the musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) between the 3rd and 4th rib from the rear, 7cm laterally to the back line. Assessment of meat yield was done using the ultrasonograph apparatus Piglog 105. In regard to meat yield indicators, medium heritability values were established for FT1 h2=0.461, and high values for FT2 h2=0.639, and for meat yield h2=0.633. Low heritability was established for depth of MLD (h2=0.105), life daily gain (h2=0.110) and age at the end of test (h2=0.103). Established phenotypic correlations between fat thickness FT1 and FT2 were strong (rp=0.638); between fat thickness and meat yield very strong (rp=-0.880 to -0.895), and between fat thickness and MLD very weak and negative (rg=-0.103 to -0.216). Genetic correlations were stronger than phenotypic, so between fat thickness FT1 and FT2 the correlation was complete/full (rg=0.930), also between fat thickness and meat yield (rg=-0.979 to -0.982), whereas the correlation between fat thickness and MLD was strong and negative (rg=-0.627 to -0.653). Heritability values for fat thickness and meat yield show that these traits have high level of heritability and are transfered to the progeny, whereas the level and strength of their dependance show that by decreasing the fat thickness positive influences is exhibited on meat yield, and that by increasing of depth of MLD also the meat yield is increased.

A study of retail requirements and genetic parameters of carcass quality in polled dorset horn sheep

1972 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Bowman ◽  
C. R. C. Hendy
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Insufficient Data ◽  
Eye Muscle

SUMMARYData on growth rate and carcasses of pedigree Polled Dorset Horn castrated male lambs have been collected. The lambs were the half-sib progeny of 18 rams mated to groups of 20 ewes in 1968 and 1969. The lambs were slaughtered at between 35 and 45 kg live weight and when considered ‘fit’ on the basis of a handling appraisal. The whole carcasses were classified by a retail organization as either ‘accepted’ or ‘rejected’ and subsequently all carcasses were cut into commercial joints ready for sale. Analyses indicated that classification of carcasses was largely but not solely based on backfat thickness. Accepted carcasses were from older and heavier lambs which had larger eye-muscle areas. There was no difference in value per unit weight between accepted and rejected carcasses.Heritability for growth rate to 16 weeks of age was zero but for growth rate and age at slaughter was 0·26 ± 0·22 and 0·28 + μ 0·22 respectively. The heritability estimates for percentage best end, loin and backfat thickness were greater than 0·30. There were insufficient data to estimate genetic correlations accurately, but the estimates of pheno-typic correlations and heritabilities were very similar to those obtained in a previous study of carcasses of Down cross lambs.It is suggested that the method of choosing lambs for slaughter accounts for the large difference in the heritabilities for growth to 16 weeks and to slaughter. Selection to change backfat thickness would be effective and would probably result in a reduction in age at slaughter and an increase in growth rate to slaughter. Selection to change proportions of the carcass is not considered to be worthwhile.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the bovine leptin gene with feed intake, feed efficiency, growth, feeding behaviour, carcass quality and body composition

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Nkrumah ◽  
C. Li ◽  
J. B. Basarab ◽  
S. Guercio ◽  
Y. Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Exon 2 ◽  
Lean Meat

Leptin is a 16-kDa-hormone product of the obese gene synthesized and expressed predominantly by adipose tissues, which has been shown to play major roles in the regulation of body weight, feed intake, energy balance, fertility, and immune system functions. We report an investigation into the association of a previously identified cytosine to thymine missense mutation in exon 2 of the bovine leptin gene with feed intake, feed efficiency, growth, feeding behaviour, carcass quality and body composition in five genetic selection lines of a commercial population of beef cattle. Differences among genotypes in growth, feed intake and feed efficiency were not significant (P > 0.10) though steers homozygous for the thymine allele had positive residual feed intake (i.e., consumed more feed than expected) (+ 0.19 kg d-1) whilst steers homozygous for the cytosine allele had negative residual feed intake (-0.18 kg d-1). Steers carrying the thymine allele had a higher rate of gain in ultrasound backfat (P = 0.02), ultrasound backfat thickness (P = 0. 06), higher carcass grade fat (backfat) (P = 0.005), lower yield grade (P = 0.01) and lower lean meat yield (P = 0.007). The thymine allele also tended to be associated with higher loin subcutaneous fat (P = 0.07) and was associated with higher brisket subcutaneous fat (P = 0.01), and brisket body cavity fat (P = 0.0001). No associations were found among the different genotypes and real-time ultrasound marbling, ultrasound longissimus thoracis area, carcass marbling and carcass longissimus thoracis area (P > 0.10). Our results show that animals carrying the thymine allele versus the cytosine allele may produce carcasses with poorer grades and lower lean meat yields but do not differ in carcass marbling or other fat depots. Key words: Beef cattle, leptin, feed intake, carcass merit

Genetic and phenotypic relationships between insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and net feed intake, fat, and growth traits in Angus beef cattle

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Moore ◽  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
H-U. Graser ◽  
R. Herd
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Factor I ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Igf I

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration measured in the blood plasma of 6520 seedstock Angus beef cattle (3622 bulls and 2898 heifers) from eastern Australia between 2002 and 2004 was used to estimate the heritability of IGF-I and phenotypic and genetic correlations with net feed intake (NFI) and other production traits. The average concentration of IGF-I was 314 ng/mL measured at the average age of 242 days. A moderate heritability of 0.35 was estimated for IGF-I. IGF-I was further defined as being measured either at, or prior to, weaning (average age of 201 days) or post-weaning (average age 310 days). The genetic correlation between IGF-I recorded at the different ages was 1.0 ± 0.04. IGF-I and NFI were found to have a genetic correlation of 0.41 ± 0.21. IGF-I had positive genetic correlations of 0.22 ± 0.14, 0.19 ± 0.14, and 0.26 ± 0.15 with ultrasound-scanned subcutaneous fat depth at the rump (P8) and 12/13th rib (RIB) sites and intramuscular fat % (IMF), respectively. Corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.14, 0.13, and 0.12, respectively, for P8, RIB, and IMF. IGF-I had low to moderate negative genetic correlations with growth traits. Direct genetic correlations for IGF-I of –0.22 ± 0.08, –0.17 ± 0.09 and –0.10 ± 0.14 were estimated with birth (BWT), 200-day (WT200), and 400-day (WT400) weights, respectively. Genetic correlations between the direct component of IGF-I and maternal components of BWT and WT200 were 0.15 ± 0.13 and 0.31 ± 0.11, respectively. Phenotypic correlations of the direct component of IGF-I with the direct components of BWT, WT200, and WT400 were –0.10, 0.06, and 0.16, respectively. Ultrasound-scanned eye muscle area (EMA) and IGF-I had genetic and phenotypic correlations of –0.22 ± 0.15 and 0.13, respectively. This study showed that IGF-I is heritable and genetically correlated with important production traits. The genetic correlations indicate that selection for lower IGF-I concentrations would result in cattle that have lower NFI (i.e. more feed efficient), are leaner, with increased growth, and possibly decreased maternal weaning weight.

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