| dc.description.abstract |
Estimates of genetic parameters for carcass traits in Merino sheep are presented, including muscle pH and colour, which are indicators of meat quality. The inclusion of these in the parameter set for genetic evaluation will provide the basis for more accurate estimated breeding values and the design of better breeding programs for improving meat traits in straightbred Merino sheep and crossbred lamb production. Data from 1045, nineteen-month-old Merino rams, the progeny of 125 sires from 3 strains that are representative of the industry, were used. Heritability and genetic correlations were estimated by fitting an animal model using a REML procedure in univariate and multivariate analyses. The traits included fasted pre-slaughter liveweight; dressing %; carcass tissue depth at the GR site (FATGR); fat depth at the C site (FATC); eye muscle depth (EMD), width (EMW), and area (EMA); ultimate pH and colour ( |
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