Herd-specific random regression carcass profiles for beef cattle after adjustment for animal genetic merit.
Abattoir data are an important source of information for the genetic evaluation of carcass traits, but also for on-farm management purposes. The present study aimed to quantify the contribution of herd environment to beef carcass characteristics (weight, conformation score and fat score) with particular emphasis on generating finishing herd-specific profiles for these traits across different ages at slaughter. Abattoir records from 46,115 heifers and 78,790 steers aged between 360 and 900days, and from 22,971 young bulls aged between 360 and 720days, were analysed. Finishing herd-year and animal genetic (co)variance components for each trait were estimated using random regression models. Across slaughter age and gender, the ratio of finishing herd-year to total phenotypic variance ranged from 0.31 to 0.72 for carcass weight, 0.21 to 0.57 for carcass conformation and 0.11 to 0.44 for carcass fat score. These parameters indicate that the finishing herd environment is an important contributor to carcass trait variability and amenable to improvement with management practices.
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK; Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland. Electronic address: Tanya.Englishby@sruc.ac.uk.
Tanya M
TM
Englishby
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
Kirsty L
KL
Moore
Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Donagh P
DP
Berry
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
Mike P
MP
Coffey
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK; The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
Georgios
G
Banos
D000003:Abattoirs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000367:Age Factors; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000235:genetics*; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D000069466:Red Meat; D006113:United Kingdom
Carcass traits; Cattle; Herd management; Random regression