The objective of this experiment was to study the usefulness of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in determining soft tissue composition (STC) and carcass fat-free mass (CFFM) of Holstein steers at different ages. Growth data and prediction of STC and CFFM were determined for four groups of Holstein steers: 12 of 3 mo, 12 of 6 mo, 15 of 9 mo, and 16 of 12 mo of age. Average weight for anim...

A multi-trait selection index designed to improve the overall economic performance of hill sheep, including both maternal and lamb traits, has been developed and tested in a selection experiment over 7 years. Two versions of the index were tested, with different economic weights applied to the traits, on two different hill farms: one version including maternal and growth traits; the other versi...

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...

Meat quality and carcass traits were measured for 2180 feedlot finished Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP) steers to investigate genetic and non-genetic influences on shear force, and other meat quality traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between carcass and meat quality traits, and with live animal measurements collected in steers from weaning to feedlot exit,...

Ninety-eight commercial crossbred lambs, average weight 55.1 kg (+/- 4.95), were used to evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a prediction method for fat-free tissue from live lambs and lamb carcasses. Lambs were transported to the abattoir, restricted from feed for 10 h, weighed (LWt), and measured for body resistance (Rs, ohms), body reactance (Xc, ohms), and distance between de...

Forty eight 8-month-old male goats were divided into three groups. In each group, eight goats were feedrestricted for 45, 60 or 75 days, and eight goats served as the control. Restricted groups were fed with a maintenance ration, and the control goats were fed with a ration supporting 50 g of daily weight gain. At the end of restriction period, the restricted goats were offered the same ration ...