Estimation of Breeding Value for Ultrasound Traits on Longissimus Dorsi Muscle in Black Head Teleorman
Keywords:
breeding value, eye muscle, muscle depth, sheep meat, ultrasoundAbstract
The aim of the present research was to estimate the breeding values for ultrasound measurement characteristics in Black Head Teleorman sheep using serf-performance for selection. Biological material was consisted from 67 lambs on weaning period at 102 days. Ultrasound measurements were conducted on Longissimus Dorsi muscle, a very good indicator for meat quality. Average body weight was 31 kg. Ultrasound parameters were measured in two points (3rdand 4th lumbar vertebrae and at 12 rib). The statistics obtained for ultrasound characteristics subcutaneous back fat (2.39; 2.44 mm), muscle depth (22.31; 21.44 mm), eye muscle area (9.00; 8.86 cm2) and muscle perimeter (124.54; 123.89 mm). The breeding value for body weight at weaning day was ranged between -4.42 and 5.20. The breeding values for ultrasound characteristics obtained for subcutaneous back fat thickness ranged between -0.28 and 0.45; muscle depth -2.18 and 2.87; eye muscle area -0.77 and 1.19; muscle perimeter -6.89 and 6.12. The relative breeding value could be a very good classification for lambs in to the selection process to make a better evaluation and to continue the breeding with the best individuals for the ultrasound traits with economic importance in meat quality market.
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