Evaluation of Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale breeds of sheep: IV. Survival, growth, and carcass traits of F1 lambs

The objectives of this study were to estimate effects of sire breed (Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale), and dam breed (Composite III and Northwestern whiteface) on survival, growth, carcass, and composition traits of F1 lambs. Effects of mating season (August, October, and December) were estimated for survival and growth traits. Data were collected on 4,320 F1 lambs sired by 102 purebred rams over 3 yr. Birth weight was recorded on all lambs, and subsequent BW were adjusted to 56 (weaning), 70, and 140 d of age (n = 3,713, 3,654, and 3,579 observations, respectively). Survival of dam-reared progeny (n = 4,065) to weaning was recorded. Each year, wethers from October matings were slaughtered in three groups at 25, 29, and 33 wk of age to obtain carcass data (n = 546). In addition to standard carcass traits, resistive impedance measurements were recorded on the warm carcass to predict lean mass. Dam breed (P = 0.37) did not influence lamb survival to weaning, but sire breed (P < 0.05) was important. Romanov-sired lambs excelled in survival rate to weaning (94.1%), followed by Finn-sheep (93.0%), Texel (90.7%), Dorset (90.0%), and Montadale (89.1%) sired progeny. Lower (P < 0.01) postweaning growth rate was observed for Texel (267 g/d) and Finnsheep (272 g/d) sired progeny than for Dorset (285 g/d), Montadale (282 g/d), and Romanov (278 g/d) sired progeny. Sire breed and dam breed were generally significant for most carcass traits. Breed differences in distribution of carcass fat and carcass shape were detected; however, carcass composition was similar for all sire breeds when compared at a constant carcass weight. When evaluated at a constant 12th-rib fat depth, carcasses of lambs from Finnsheep, Romanov, and Texel sires produced 1 to 1.5 kg less (P < 0.001) predicted lean mass per lamb than carcasses of lambs from Dorset and Montadale sires. These experimental results provide information about the direct breed effects for survival, growth, and carcass traits of these breeds and their potential use in crossbreeding systems.     

Effects of ewe breed and management system on efficiency of lamb production: II. Lamb growth, survival and carcass characteristics

Lamb growth, survival and carcass characteristics were compared for progeny of either 1/2-Suffolk, 1/2-Rambouillet (Western) ewes or 1/2-Suffolk, 1/4-Rambouillet, 1/4-Finnsheep (1/4-Finn) ewes produced over 3 yr in three different management systems. System 1 lambs were born in late fall and fed to slaughter on a concentrate diet. System 2 lambs were born in January and February and grazed pure stands of alfalfa or ladino clover after weaning. System 3 lambs were born in March and April and remained with their dams on native bluegrass-white clover pasture throughout the grazing season. Lambs were slaughtered as males reached 55 kg and as females reached 50 kg. One-half of the males in System 1 were left intact; all males in Systems 2 and 3 were castrated. Lamb survival did not differ among systems. Lambs from yearling 1/4-Finn ewes had higher survival rates than lambs from yearling Western ewes, but at older ewe ages, progeny of the ewe groups did not differ in survival. Lambs in System 1 grew fastest (mean lifetime gains of 310 +/- 4 g/d) and were youngest at slaughter (156 +/- 3 d), and lambs in System 3 were oldest at slaughter (234 +/- 2 d). System 2 lambs differed considerably among years in growth rate and slaughter age (mean slaughter ages of 191, 230 and 193 d across years), primarily in response to differences in rainfall. Lifetime gains and slaughter ages of lambs did not differ between ewe breeds. Ram lambs grew 15% faster than wethers and were leaner. Differences among systems in carcass traits were small. System 1 lambs tended to be fattest and System 2 lambs leanest. Progeny of 1/4-Finn ewes had higher subjective scores for carcass fatness (e.g., feathering, flank fatness) and conformation but did not differ from progeny of Western ewes in objective measures of fatness (e.g., backfat, yield grade).     

Evidence for a breed specific association between PrP genotype and ultrasonic muscle depth but not for survivability, growth or carcass traits in sheep

The ARR allele of the prion protein gene is associated with resistance to classical scrapie, while the ARQ allele is associated with susceptibility. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect, on lamb growth and carcass traits, of replacing an ARQ allele with an ARR allele. Pedigree rams (22 Suffolks, 18 Texels and 18 Charollais) were sourced in pairs, from the same flock (by the same sire where possible), with one member being ARR/ARR and the other being ARQ/ARQ and these rams were progeny tested through single-sire mating in six flocks. Effects of ram genotype on reproductive performance of ewes and on growth and carcass traits of progeny were estimated using mixed model procedures with sire as a random effect. Ram genotype had no effect on litter size at birth or on lamb survival as measured by the number of lambs reared. The differences between the performance of progeny by ARR/ARR and ARQ/ARQ sires provided an estimate of the effect of substituting an ARR allele for an ARQ allele. This allele substitution had no effect on birth weight, growth rate, weight at 5 or 14 weeks, weight or ultrasonic fat depth at 120 days of age or on carcass classification traits (conformation, fatness) for the Suffolk, Texel or Charollais breeds. Substituting an ARR allele for an ARQ allele had a negative effect on ultrasonic muscle depth at 120 days for the progeny of Suffolk rams (P = 0.01) but had a positive effect on ultrasonic muscle depth at 120 days for the progeny of Charollais rams (P = 0.02). The ARR substitution effect was negative for slaughter age in the Suffolk (P < 0.05) and positive for carcass weight in Texel progeny (P < 0.05). The magnitude of these effects was quite small, however, and the overall results support the hypothesis that substituting an ARR allele for an ARQ allele has no important negative effect on lamb growth or carcass traits in any of the breeds examined.     

Estimated responses to eleven years of boar selection

Starting from ten Large White “founder” boars, put into service in November 1965, ten successive yearly boar generations were selected on a performance-test index, equal to 0.01 ADG – 0.5 BF, ADG being average daily gain (g) from 30 to 80 kg liveweight and BF being the average of six backfat measurements (mm) at 80 kg liveweight. Selection responses were estimated for growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass and meat quality traits and development of nasal turbinates. The data analyzed, which include 1604 female and 1284 castrated male progeny from 102 boars, show linear genetic trends which are, as a rule, larger over sire generations than over dam cohorts. A tentative and indirect estimation of the annual sire genetic trend in lean tissue growth rate is 6 g per day (2.6%), which is twice the dam trend. In lean tissue feed conversion, the annual genetic gain, which can only be estimated for sires, is 0.2 kg feed per kg lean tissue (1.9%). Correlated responses in meat quality traits indicate a tendency towards a paler meat colour, but conflicting sire and dam trends are observed for pH 24 and water-holding capacity. Unfavourable sire and dam trends are observed for development of nasal turbinates, which indicates a greater susceptibility to atrophic rhinitis as a consequence of the selection practised in this experiment.     

Index selection in terminal sires improves early lamb growth

The use of terminal sires (TS) for crossbreeding is integral to the UK sheep industry where approximately 71% of market lambs are sired by TS rams. Early growth of these crossbred lambs affects profitability. The objectives of this study were i) to evaluate the effectiveness of index selection among TS on BW and ADG of their crossbred offspring; and ii) to compare the efficacy of that selection within TS breeds. The most widely used TS breeds in the United Kingdom are Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel. These participated in sire referencing schemes in which they were evaluated on a lean growth index designed to increase carcass lean weight at a given age. From 1999 to 2002, approximately 15 high and 15 low lean growth index rams per breed (93 in total, differing in index on average by 4.6 SD) were selected from within their sire referencing schemes and mated to Welsh and Scottish Mule ewes. Their crossbred offspring were reared commercially on 3 experimental farms in England, Scotland, and Wales. A total of 6,515 lambs were born between 2000 and 2003. Lambs were weighed at birth (BWT), 5 wk (5WT), and 10 wk (10WT), and their ADG from birth to 10 wk was calculated. Lambs sired by high index rams were on average, across breeds, heavier at all ages (P < 0.01) with 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.3 ± 0.1, and 0.4 ± 0.1 kg greater BWT, 5WT, and 10WT, respectively. Their ADG was 5.1 ± 1.9 g/d greater than low-index-sired lambs (P < 0.01). Suffolk-sired lambs were on average heavier at all ages, with greater ADG, whereas Charollais-sired lambs were lightest with smallest ADG. Overall, there was no significant interaction between sire index and sire breed (P > 0.10). Within Suffolk-sired lambs, there was little difference between high and low index sires for the traits studied (P > 0.3). High and low index Charollais-sired lambs differed in BWT (0.09 ± 0.04 kg) and 5WT (0.3 ± 0.1 kg), and Texel-sired lambs differed in 5WT (0.5 ± 0.1 kg), 10WT (0.9 ± 0.2 kg), and ADG (10.2 ± 3.3 g/d; P < 0.01). Lambs from Scottish Mule dams were heavier, with greater ADG, than lambs born to Welsh Mules (P < 0.01). Lambs reared in Scotland were heavier at all ages (P < 0.01). The results suggest that using index selection in TS can improve the growth of their commercial offspring reared on grass.     

Influences of gender, time of castration, genotype, birthtype and feeding regimen on lamb longissimus fiber type proportions

Two trials examined genetic and environmental influences on muscle fiber type proportions. Trial 1 compared Polypay and Coopworth x Polypay male lambs either left intact or castrated early, mid or late in growth. Trial 2 compared Hampshire-sired lambs (females, early castrate wethers and late castrate wethers) from Suffolk x Coopworth dams and whiteface x Coopworth dams. Half the lambs in each trial were raised from weaning to 52 kg slaughter weight in drylot; the other half were reared to 41 kg on pasture before being finished in drylot. Analysis of longissimus tissue samples revealed no significant differences among rams, wethers and ewes in proportions of muscle fiber types. Early castration increased the proportion of alpha red fibers in Trial 1 (P less than .01) but not in Trial 2. Polypay lambs had a higher proportion of beta red fibers (P less than .05) than the Coopworth x Polypay lambs, but no differences were seen between the genotypes of Trial 2. Single-born lambs in Trial 1 had a 6% higher proportion of alpha white fibers (P less than .05) than twin-born lambs; however, this difference was not detected in Trial 2. Drylot lambs had a higher proportion of beta red fibers than pasture-reared lambs, the difference being 5% (P less than .01) in Trial 2. Muscle fiber type proportions were not found to be related to growth rate and carcass fatness, and no evidence of differential fiber transformation was found in this trial.     

Lamb production performance of 14 sire breeds mated to New Zealand Bomney ewes

From an extensive series of trials involving approximately 15 000 Romney ewes mated with 435 rams, provisional results are presented on the comparative performance of 14 sire breeds for lamb meat production. The breeds, each represented by ten or more rams, were Southdown, Suffolk, South Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorset Down, South Dorset Down, Poll or Horn Dorset, Border Leicester, English Leicester, Ryeland, Cheviot, Lincoln, Merino and Romney.Important differences exist between sire breeds in progeny survival, with the Southdown being best and the Romney poorest. Progeny of long-wool sires, and particularly the Lincoln, clip more wool at post-weaning shearing than of the Down breeds, which exhibit quite small variation.Sire breeds vary in average live-weight and carcass growth of their progeny, the Suffolk, Hampshire and Dorset breeds producing the heaviest and Merino and Romney the lightest lambs. In terms of lamb live-weight or carcass production per Romney ewe mated, Romney, Merino, Lincoln, Ryeland, Cheviot and English Leicester sires are inferior to the Southdown while Dorset, Suffolk, South Suffolk and Dorset Down are superior.Within any breed, wide differences exist between progeny growth rates of the best and poorest sires, emphasising the importance of sound selection of rams and of adequate genetic sampling in breed comparisons.     

Estimates of genetic parameters for live animal ultrasound, actual carcass data, and growth traits in beef cattle

Growth and carcass measurements were made on 2,411 Hereford steers slaughtered at a constant weight from a designed reference sire program involving 137 sires. A second data set consisted of ultrasound measures of backfat (USFAT) and longissimus muscle area (USREA) from 3,482 yearling Hereford cattle representing 441 sires. Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were used to estimate genetic parameters among carcass traits and live animal weight traits from these two separate data sets. Heritability estimates for the slaughter weight constant steer carcass backfat (FAT) and longissimus muscle area (REA) were .49 and .46, respectively. In addition, FAT had a negative genetic correlation with REA (-.37), weaning weight (-.28), and yearling weight (-.13) but positive with marbling (.19) and carcass weight (.36). Marbling was moderately heritable (.35) and highly correlated with total postweaning average daily gain (.54) and feedlot relative growth rate (.62). Heritability estimates for weight constant USFAT and USREA were .26 and .25, respectively. The genetic correlation between weight constant USFAT and USREA was positive (.39), indicating that in these young animals USFAT does not seem to be an indication of maturity. Mean USFAT measures and variability were small (.48 +/- .17 cm, n = 3,482). Results indicate that carcass fat on slaughter steers and ultrasound measures of backfat on young breeding animals may have different relationships with growth and muscling. These relationships need to be explored before wide scale selection based on ultrasound is implemented.     

Tissue growth and development in crossbred lambs sired by ten breeds

The relative growth of carcass tissues and the partitioning of fat between depots was examined in a total of 1400 crossbred lambs from the Meat and Livestock Commission's (MLC) Ram Breed Evaluation. The evaluation was carried out over a five-year period in 10 commercial flocks of Scottish Blackface, Scotch Haltbred (Border Leicester × North Country Cheviot) and Mule (Bluefaced Leicester × Swaledale) ewes. An average of 43 sires from each of the following sire breeds was involved: Border Leicester, Dorset Down, Hampshire Down, Ile de France, North Country Cheviot, Oxford Down, Southdown, Suffolk, Texel and Wensleydale. Lambs of each cross were slaughtered over a range of 9 kg selected on the basis of estimated adult body size to cover the fatness range within which most lambs are slaughtered in Great Britain.Flocks were analysed as two groups: early flocks, from which most lambs were slaughtered before October, and late flocks. Results for early flocks are given in this Abstract. Results for late flocks were similar but they tended to fatten less quickly.Allometric growth coefficients for tissues on side (half carcass) weight were: lean, 0.77±0.015 (S.E.); total separable fat, 1.82±0.039; bone, 0.51±0.025. Perinephric and retroperitoneal fat, and subcutaneous fat, grew relatively faster than total separable fat: 1.16±0.028 and 1.16±0.011, respectively. Intermuscular fat grew relatively more slowly: 0.80±0.012. Sire breed differences were recorded (P<0.001) for the weight of each of the tissues at equal side weight. Texel crosses had the highest lean weight and Southdown crosses the lowest.At the same total lean weight, Texel crosses tended to have less lean in the loin and more in some of the other joints, especially the shoulder, than other crosses.     

The value of incorporating carcass trait phenotypes in terminal sire selection indexes to improve carcass weight and quality of heavy lambs

Genetic selection for carcass traits is paramount to maximize the profitability and long‐term sustainability of any meat‐producing livestock species. The main objectives of this research were to evaluate the efficiency of indicator traits for the genetic improvement of lamb carcass traits and to determine the value of including carcass traits into terminal sire selection indexes for the Canadian sheep industry. The carcass traits included hot carcass weight (HCW), fat depth at the GR site (FATGR) and average carcass conformation score (AVGCONF), and were measured on heavy lambs (slaughter age less than 365 days and HCW greater than 16.3 kg) in commercial abattoirs. Growth traits were found to be moderately efficient indicator traits for the genetic improvement of HCW but selection on ultrasound traits was necessary to substantially improve the carcass quality traits (FATGR and AVGCONF). Economic selection indexes were designed by adding various combinations of carcass traits into the Canadian Sheep Genetic Evaluation System terminal indexes. Records measured on individuals and progeny were assumed to be the sources of information for live animal and carcass traits, respectively. The changes in index accuracy, efficiency and expected correlated response were used to assess the value of their inclusion. HCW was found to have a large economic value, and its inclusion into terminal selection indexes was expected to substantially increase their accuracy (0.08–0.12 points) and efficiency (20%–30%). However, further including FATGR (measured 110 mm from the carcass midline over the 12th rib) and AVGCONF had little impact on the accuracy (≤0.03) and efficiency (1%–7%) of the proposed indexes. Thus, the inclusion of carcass traits into the existing terminal selection indexes could be beneficial for the genetic improvement of HCW, but further research is needed to determine optimal methods of increasing carcass fatness and muscularity.     

Performance of Polypay, Coopworth, and crossbred ewes: II. Survival and cumulative lamb and wool production over 4 years.

Six ewe genotypes, generated by mating Coopworth (C), Polypay (P), and Suffolk (S) rams to P and Coopworth-type (Ct) ewes, were exposed to Hampshire rams for spring lambing from 1987 through 1990. Data from 1,013 exposures and 973 resultant lambings were used to analyze reproductive traits and cumulative ewe productivity over 4 yr. Ewe body and fleece weights were also analyzed. Ewes from S sires weaned the heaviest lambs and ewes from P sires weaned the largest number of lambs, resulting in similar total weight of lamb weaned per ewe mated. Coopworth-sired ewes weaned the least total weight of lamb per ewe mated. Ewes weaning twins produced 54% more total litter weight per ewe than those weaning singles. Annual ewe survival averaged 95%, ranging from 93% for S x P and C x P ewes to 97% for P x Ct and C x Ct ewes. When cumulative number and weight of lamb produced was assessed on the basis of all ewes starting the trial, P-sired ewes were highest, followed in order by daughters of S and C sires. Suffolk-sired ewes (67 kg) were 13% heavier than daughters of P rams and 19% heavier than daughters of C rams. Adjustment of lamb production for ewe metabolic body size resulted in C-sired ewes being more efficient than the heavier S-sired ewes. Coopworth-sired ewes produced 32% more wool than ewes sired by the other two breeds. Differences in wool production between ewes weaning one or two lambs were small.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sired by Dorper and Dorset rams

Growth and carcass merit of Dorset-(DO) and Dorper-sired (DP) lambs were compared over 3 yr in matings with 50% Dorset, 25% Rambouillet, 25% Finnsheep ewes. The DP were slightly lighter (P = 0.09) at birth than the DO lambs. In the first year of the study, DP lambs produced by AI using imported South African sires were heavier than DO lambs when weaned at 60 d of age (21.7 vs. 19.5 kg; P = 0.05). In yr 2 and 3, however, offspring of natural-service Dorper sires produced in the U.S. did not differ in weaning weight from DO lambs (16.9 vs. 17.8 kg; P = 0.02 for breed x year interaction). Lamb survival was also affected by breed x year interaction (P = 0.04). In 2000 and 2001, with 12 to 16% triplet or larger litters, mortality was higher for DP lambs (14.9 vs. 7.7%; P = 0.12). However, in 2002, with approximately 33% triplet or larger litters and with higher mortality levels in all birth types, DP lambs had fewer death losses than did DO lambs (23.2 vs. 36.1%; P = 0.11). No differences between DO and DP lambs were observed in postweaning gain during summer grazing or in drylot in autumn. At chilled carcass weights of approximately 25 kg, DP lambs were somewhat fatter than DO lambs, with greater body wall thickness (P < 0.01; 22 vs. 19 mm) and slightly greater backfat thickness (P = 0.15; 6.4 vs. 5.5 mm) and yield grades (P = 0.15; 2.9 vs. 2.6). The DP lambs also had more desirable leg scores (P = 0.01; 11.6 vs. 10.9) and slightly larger LM area (P = 0.13; 14.1 vs. 13.5 mm2) than did DO lambs, confirming acceptable muscling and conformation in carcasses from Dorper-sired lambs. However, differences were not observed in the percentage of carcass weight in the leg or loin, or in the lean:bone ratio in the dissected leg. Ultrasonic measurements of backfat thickness and LM area taken in live lambs before slaughter were positively associated with direct measures on chilled carcasses with correlations of 0.77 for backfat thickness and 0.51 for LM area.     

Influence of maternal frame size and nutritional restriction on growth and development of the postnatal lamb

Pregnant ewes (large frame [LF] and small frame [SF]) were nutritionally stressed in early gestation (EGS), late gestation (LGS) or fed 100% of NRC requirements (unstressed, US) throughout gestation. Lambs (128) from these ewes were slaughtered at birth, weaning (18 kg), 41 kg or 55 kg. Sixty-four lambs received a 13% protein diet from weaning to either 41 or 55 kg. Lambs from SF ewes were fatter at 55 kg, had a higher numerical yield grade and a lower percentage of carcass protein. Lambs from US ewes were youngest at slaughter and had the most carcass weight and protein per day of age at 55 kg. The LGS lambs had the lowest percentage of lean and carcass protein at 41 and 55 kg. However, at birth these lambs had the highest concentration of RNA and DNA in muscle. The EGS lambs had the lowest quality grade, carcass weight per day of age and fat percentage. Muscle DNA and RNA at birth was lowest in EGS lambs. However, EGS lambs produced the highest lean percentage and highest percentage carcass protein at 41 and 55 kg. Shortest metacarpals and metatarsals were also found in these lambs at weaning and 41 kg. Although frame size had little effect on carcass characteristics, the effects of nutritional stress in the first 80 d of gestation were apparent in lambs slaughtered at 31 kg. Stress in the last 50 d of gestation had more effect on lambs slaughtered at 55 kg.     

Evaluation of columbia, USMARC-Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: III. Prefabrication carcass traits and organ weights

To evaluate terminal-sire breeds, harvest BW, prefabrication carcass measurements, and organ weights were evaluated over 3 yr for 518 crossbred wether lambs (ovis aries). Lambs were produced by single-sire matings of 22 Columbia, 22 USMARC-Composite (Composite), 21 Suffolk, and 17 Texel rams to adult Rambouillet ewes. Lambs were raised to weaning under an extensive western rangeland production system and finished in a feedlot on a high-energy finishing diet. Wethers were randomly assigned to be harvested at an average BW of 54.4, 61.2, or 68.0 kg and then transported to The Ohio State University abattoir for harvest. Wether BW was recorded before transport (off-test BW) and before harvest. Prefabrication carcass measurements and organ weights were recorded either after harvest or after an approximate 24-h chill. At comparable numbers of days on feed, Suffolk-sired lambs had heavier (P < 0.01) off-test BW, harvest BW, HCW, chilled carcass weight (CCW), and kidney weights than lambs sired by the other breeds. Suffolk-sired lambs had more (P < 0.01) kidney-pelvic fat than did Columbia-sired lambs; Composite- and Texel-sired lambs were intermediate and did not differ (P > 0.06) from the other crossbred lambs. Texel- and suffolk-sired lambs had larger lm area and greater conformation scores than Columbia-sired lambs (P < 0.03). Texel-sired lambs had greater (P < 0.01) body wall thickness, quality grades, and leg scores than Columbia-sired lambs. Composite- and Suffolk-sired lambs did not differ from each other or from lambs sired by any other breed for body wall thickness (P > 0.18) and were intermediate for quality grades and leg scores. Sire breed did not affect (P > 0.05) shipping shrink, dressing percentage, pelt weight, liver weight, and fat depth. Adjusting data to a comparable off-test BW or CCW modified sire breed rankings for some measurements. Texel-sired lambs were equal or superior to lambs sired by other breeds for HCW, CCW, dressing percentage, pelt weight, LM area, quality grade, and leg and conformation scores. However, Texel-sired lambs also had values for kidney-pelvic fat weight, fat depth, and body wall thickness that were equal to or greater than those of lambs sired by the other breeds, indicating increased fatness at comparable BW. Producers can use these results to select terminal-sire sheep breeds that will complement their production system and improve market lamb value.     

Evaluation of the South African Dorper as a terminal sire breed for growth,carcass, and palatability characteristics

The South African Dorper is an important terminal meat sire breed in Africa that was recently imported into the United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Dorper as a terminal meat sire breed for U.S. production. Semen from purebred Dorper sires was used to artificially inseminate Columbia ewes to produce F1 crossbred lambs. Growth and carcass characteristics of F1 Dorper-Columbia lambs (n = 165), F1 Suffolk-Columbia (n = 89), and purebred Columbia lambs (n = 207) were compared based on subsets of the total number of animals. The F1 Dorper lambs grew significantly slower (313 g x d(-1)) and weighed less (29.8 kg) than F1 Suffolk- (357 g x d(-1), 33.5 kg) and Columbia-sired lambs (328 g x d(-1), 31 kg) at 77 d of age. However, at a weaning age of 118 d weaning weight and ADG did not differ (P > 0.20) among sire breed groups. Postweaning growth of F1 Dorper(239 g xd(-1)) wether lambs did not differ from that of purebred Columbia wethers (230 g x d(-1)) but was less than that of F1 Suffolk lambs (259 g x d(-1); P= 0.09). Feed efficiency did not differ among breed types. Breed types had similar dressing percentages (53%), shoulder fat depth (2.8 mm), body wall thickness (3 cm), leg conformation score (Choice), Yield grade (2.4), and Quality grade (Choice). Weight of wholesale shoulders and racks made up approximately 38% of the carcass weight in the Columbia and F1 Suffolk-Columbia type but only 33% in the F1 Dorper-Columbia lambs. However, the more expensive wholesale loins from F1 Dorpers were heavier (P < 0.01) than the other breed types. Total weights of wholesale legs were similar among F1 Dorpers and F1 Suffolks but were heavier than those for the purebred Columbia (P < 0.05). Percentages of total wholesale primal cuts were similar among breed types (P > 0.10). Chemical composition of the carcass did not differ significantly between breed types with a mean composition of 52% moisture, 30% lipid (ether extract), 17% protein, and 0.76% ash. Warner-Bratzler shear force values were less (P < 0.05) and sensory panel ratings for tenderness were significantly more favorable for lamb chops from Dorper sired lambs. Dorper rams can be used as terminal meat sires to produce lambs whose growth rate to 118 d of weaning age, postweaning ADG and feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics are similar to that of Suffolk crossbred lambs and purebred Columbia lambs but with a slight improvement in tenderness.     

Effects of gender, time of castration, genotype and feeding regimen on lamb growth and carcass fatness

Two concurrent trials were conducted to examine the effects of gender, time of castration, genotype and feeding regimen on lamb growth rate and carcass fatness. Trial 1 compared Polypay and Coopworth x Polypay male lambs either left intact or castrated early, mid or late in growth. Trial 2 compared Hampshire-sired lambs (females, early castrate wethers and late castrate wethers) from Suffolk x Coopworth dams and whiteface x Coopworth dams. Gender and time of castration significantly affected growth rate in Trial 1 but not in Trial 2. Rams were more efficient than wethers, but no other gender or time of castration effects on feed efficiency were observed. Delaying castration and pasture grazing both reduced fatness. Lambs grazed on irrigated pastures until they weighed 41 kg then finished in drylot had a lower dressing percentage than lambs fed in the drylot throughout, but USDA quality grades were similar. Substitution of Polypay genes by Coopworth genes in crossbred lambs did not significantly alter any of the fatness traits measured but increased ribeye area. Hampshire-sired lambs grew faster than whiteface lambs, particularly in drylot. They had a higher dressing percentage without increased fatness, apparently because of greater muscling in ribeye and leg.     

Progeny testing sires selected by independent culling levels for below-average birth weight and high yearling weight or by mass selection for high yearling weight.

Breeding values of sires resulting from selection either for reduced birth weight and increased yearling weight (YB, n = 8) or for increased yearling weight alone (YW, n = 9) were compared with each other and with sires representative of the population before selection began (BS, n = 12) using progeny testing. Reference sires (n = 6) connected these Line 1 sires with the Hereford international genetic evaluation. Thirty-five sires produced 525 progeny that were evaluated through weaning. After weaning, 225 steer progeny were individually fed, slaughtered, and carcass data collected. Data were analyzed using restricted maximum likelihood procedures for multiple traits to estimate breeding values for traits measured on the top-cross progeny while simultaneously accounting for selection of the sires. Results of the progeny test substantiate within-line results for traits upon which sires were selected. Breeding values for gestation length were greater in YB sires than in YW sires and were unchanged relative to BS sires. Breeding values for growth rate and feed intake for the YB and YW sires were greater than for BS sires. Predicted breeding values for indicators of fat deposition tended to be greater in YB sires and less in YW sires relative to BS sires, although YB and YW sires had similar breeding values for marbling score. Selection based on easily and routinely measured growth traits, although achieving the intended direct responses, may not favorably affect all components of production efficiency. Further, divergence of selection lines may not be easily anticipated from preexisting parameter estimates, particularly when selection is based on more than one trait.     

Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC-Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: I. Ewe productivity and crossbred lamb survival and preweaning growth

A 3-yr study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate columbia, suffolk, usmarc-composite (composite), and texel breeds as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system. The objective was to estimate breed-of-ram effects on ewe fertility, prolificacy, and dystocia, and sire breed effects on lamb survival and growth until weaning at approximately 132 d of age. Data were from 22 columbia, 22 composite, 21 suffolk, and 17 texel rams with 957 exposures to 574 adult rambouillet ewes (3- to 7-yr-old at lambing), 908 lambings, and 1,834 lambs. Ram breed did not affect ewe fertility (mean = 94.9%; p = 0.73), total number born per ewe lambing (mean = 2.02 lambs; p = 0.20), number born alive per ewe lambing (mean = 1.90 lambs; p = 0.24), or number weaned per ewe lambing (mean = 1.45 lambs, p = 0.94). Dystocia rates were different (p = 0.01) for ewes mated to columbia (12.2%), composite (13.5%), suffolk (25.7%), and texel rams (31.9%) during 1 yr of the study, but differences among ram breeds were not repeatable (p ≥ 0.38) during the other 2 yr. Suffolk-sired lambs were heavier (p ≥ 0.02) at birth (5.5 kg) and weaning (40.3 kg) than lambs sired by the other breeds, which did not differ (p ≥ 0.34) for birth weight (mean = 5.3 kg). Texel-sired lambs (37.4 kg) were lighter (p ≥ 0.02) at weaning than columbia- (38.8 kg) and composite-sired (38.4 kg) lambs, which did not differ (p = 0.40) for weaning weight. Sire breed effect approached significance (p = 0.06) for lamb survival to weaning; estimated survival probabilities were 0.87 (columbia), 0.89 (composite), 0.93 (suffolk), and 0.86 (texel) for lambs reared by their birth dam. Interaction between sire breeds and birth weight affected (p < 0.001) lamb survival and revealed that lightweight columbia- and suffolk-sired lambs had a greater risk of death than lightweight lambs sired by composite and texel rams, but risk of death did not increase substantially for heavyweight lambs from any of the breeds. When mated to adult rambouillet ewes in an extensive rangeland production system, the use of suffolk rams is warranted to improve preweaning growth of market lambs and is not predicted to affect ewe fertility, ewe prolificacy, dystocia, or lamb survival compared with the other sire breeds we tested.     

Effects of Tuli,Brahman, Angus,and Polled Hereford Sires on Carcass Traits of Steer Offspring

Steer progeny (n = 122) of tropically adapted breeds [Tuli (TU) and Brahman (BR)] and temperate breeds [Angus (AN) and Hereford (HP)] was evaluated for carcass traits for 3 yr. Multiparous British (Bt) cows were bred to each sire breed. Following weaning in the fall, steers were provided bermudagrass hay and a supplement until rye was available, which they grazed until March. Steers were fed for 100 to 110 d beginning in March. Live weight (LWT); hot carcass weight (HCW); longissimus area (LEA); percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH); actual fat thickness (ACT); adjusted fat thickness (ADJ); marbling score(MARB); maturity score(MAT); quality grade (QG); yield grade (YG); dressing percentage(DP); and LEA per unit of LWT (LEACWT) were collected. Data were analyzed by Proc MIXED using a model that included year, sire breed, and year × sire breed. Sire breed was a significant source of variation for all traits except LEA. The effect of year was significant for all traits, and year × sire breed was significant for only LWT. Least square means for LWT and HCW ranked the breeds similarly; the AN-sired calves (576 kg, 333 kg) and BR-sired calves (574 kg, 334 kg) were heavier than the TU-sired calves (526 kg, 304 kg), and the HP-sired calves had intermediate LWT and HCW (562 kg, 320 kg). The actual and adjusted fat means were larger (P<0.02) for AN-sired calves, HP-sired cavles were intermediate, and the BR- and TU-sired steers were similar with less external fat. The TU-sired calves had the largest LEA relative to weight. The AN- and TU-sired groups had a similar percentage grading Choice (26 and 21%, respectively), and the percentage grading Choice for the other two sire breed groups was 12% for BR and 18% for HP. In conclusion, carcass merit of TU-sired calves provides an acceptable alternative to BR-sired calves for producers desiring a tropically adapted sire breed, but they will likely produce smaller slaughter BW than BR sires if managed similarly.     

Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC-Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: II. Postweaning growth and ultrasonic measures of composition for lambs fed a high-energy feedlot diet

Over 3 yr, postweaning growth patterns and changes in ultrasonic measurements of fat depth (FD) and LM area were assessed for 1,049 crossbred ewe and wether lambs (Ovis aries) produced by mating adult Rambouillet ewes to 1 of 22 Columbia, 22 USMARC-Composite (Composite), 21 Suffolk, or 17 Texel rams and raised to weaning under extensive Western rangeland conditions. After weaning, lambs were transitioned to a high-energy finishing diet in a feedlot, weighed weekly for 13 to 16 wk, and scanned using ultrasound at 2-wk intervals to estimate FD and LM area between the 12th and 13th ribs. Lambs sired by Suffolk rams were 5 to 12% heavier (P < 0.05) at start of test, grew 14 to 22% faster (P < 0.001), and were correspondingly 7 to 14% heavier (P < 0.001) after 90 d on test than lambs sired by rams of the other 3 breeds. At this time, lambs sired by Texel rams were 5% lighter (P < 0.01) than Columbia- or Composite-sired lambs, which did not differ (P > 0.20). Columbia-sired lambs had less FD (8.9 mm) but smaller LM areas (15.6 cm(2)) at 90 d on test (both P < 0.01) than lambs sired by rams of the other breeds (average of 9.8 mm for FD and 16.6 cm(2) for LM area), which did not differ for either measurement at this time. At 60 kg, predicted FD differed among sire breeds (P < 0.001) and were similar for Suffolk- (7.6 mm) and Columbia-sired (7.9 mm) lambs, intermediate for Composite-sired lambs (9.1 mm), and largest for Texel-sired (10.1 mm) lambs. At a BW of 60 kg, LM area differed between all pairs of sire breeds (P < 0.05), and was largest for Texel-sired lambs (16.7 cm(2)), followed by Composite-, Suffolk-, and Columbia-sired lambs (15.7, 14.8, and 14.5 cm(2), respectively). At a predicted FD of 9.1 mm (the boundary between U.S. Yield Grades 3 and 4), the predicted LM area for Suffolk-sired lambs (16.2 cm(2)) was similar (P > 0.10) to that of Texel-sired lambs (16.0 cm(2)) and superior (P < 0.01) to that of Composite- (15.7 cm(2)) and Columbia-sired lambs (15.4 cm(2)). Lambs sired by Suffolk rams were thus equal or superior to lambs sired by the other 3 breeds in growth, FD, and LM area at comparable ages, fatness at 60 kg, and LM area at a FD of 9.1 mm, but inferior in LM area to Texel- and Composite-sired lambs at comparable BW.