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 effect of genotype, sex and hatch on carcass traits and physical characteristics of eggs was investigated in the Japanese quail. Two strains of Japanese quails including the White (P1) and Wild (P2) genotypes were chosen as the parental generation and crossed reciprocally (10 single-pair mating) to create the F1 progeny. The F1 birds (27 males and 81 females) were mated randomly to produce ...

We present estimates of heritability for carcass traits of cattle published in the scientific literature. Seventy-two papers published from 1962 to 2004, which reported estimates of heritability for carcass traits, were reviewed. The unweighted means of estimates of heritability for 14 carcass traits by slaughter end point (age, weight, and fat depth) were calculated. Among the three end points...

The experiment involved 68 heifers obtained from Polish Black-and-White Lowland dams (with no more than 50 % Holstein Friesian blood) sired by Limousin bulls. The study was arranged to determine the slaughter and carcass traits, chemical composition and physical properties of musculus longissimus lumborum (MLL) as related to the level of marbling, and to examine the correlation between some of ...

A joint growth-carcass analysis was conducted to develop equations for predicting carcass quality traits associated with variation in growth path of crossbred cattle. During a four-year period (1994-1997) of the Australian "Southern Crossbreeding Project", mature Hereford cows (r = 581) were mated to 97 sires of Jersey, Wagyu, Angus, Hereford, South Devon, Limousin, and Belgian Blue breeds, res...

We investigated the effects of crossbreeding on slaughter traits and the chemical composition of chicken breast muscle. Trials were conducted using 120 broilers from four lines: Xiao-Shan chicken (XS), Xian-Ju chicken (XJ), Xiao-Shan chicken♂ × Xian-Ju chicken♀ (Zhenan 1, ZNY1) and Xiao-Shan chicken♂ × (Guang-Xi Yellow chicken♂×XianJu chicken♀)  ♀ (Zhenan 2, ZNY2). The birds were slaughte...

Institut National de La Recherche AgronomiqueStation de Recherches Avicoles, Domaine de l'Orfrasi&e, 37380 Nouzilly, France SUMMARY Selection could contribute to reduce sexual dimorphism of body weight and its negative consequences. Genetic differences between sexes at slaughter age were first studied. Heritabilities of male and female traits were different and genetic correlations between both...

Data from 156 Nellore males were used to develop equations for the prediction of retail beef yield and carcass fat content, expressed as kilograms and as a percentage, from live animal and carcass measurements. Longissimus muscle area and backfat and rump fat thickness were measured by ultrasound up to 5 d before slaughter and fasted live weight was determined 1 d before slaughter. The same tra...