Genetic Evaluation of some Carcass Characteristics Assessed by in vivo Real Time Ultrasonography in Baluchi Sheep
Subject Areas : Camelع. محمدی 1 , س. حسنی 2 , س. زره داران 3 , م. باقری 4 , ع. میرشاهی 5
1 - Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding and Genetics, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
2 - دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی گرگان
3 - Department of Animal Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
4 - Veterinary Clinic, Near Laleh Residential Complex, Asian Highway, Mashhad, Iran
5 - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords: genetic parameters, backfat thickness, Baluchi sheep, longissimus muscle area, ultrasound measurements,
Abstract :
In order to evaluate carcass characteristics of a nucleus flock of Baluchi sheep, in vivo ultrasound technique was used to measure backfat thickness (UBFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle area (ULMA) and also to estimate genetic parameters for these ultrasonic traits and live weights in different ages. The data were collected from 576 animals during 2011. (Co)variance components were estimated by univariate and bivariate animal models using restricted maximum likelihood and Asreml software. Females had higher UBFT and ULMA than males. Estimates of direct heritabilities were 0.32, 0.23, 0.27, 0.02, 0.12, 0.22 and 0.18 for UBFT, ULMA, birth weight (BW0), weaning weight (BW3), 6 month weight (BW6), 9 month weight (BW9) and yearling weight (BW12), respectively. There were positive and high genetic (0.68±0.15) and phenotypic (0.62±0.03) correlations between UBFT and ULMA. The genetic correlations among ultrasonic and pre 6 month weights were positive and low except for BW0 and ULMA (0.39±0.28). Contrarily, moderate to high positive genetic correlations between ultrasonic traits and weaning and post-weaning weights were found (0.33 to 0.61). Phenotypic correlations between ultrasonic and growth traits were positive and ranged from 0.09 to 0.37. High positive genetic correlation between UBFT and ULMA suggests that selection for larger muscle mass result in higher fat carcasses.
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