Author
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Macneil, Michael |
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Submitted to: Charolais Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: MACNEIL, M.D. WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF CARCASS EPDS, CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEED TO KNOW HOW ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CAN BE USED FOR BETTER GENETIC SELECTION. CHAROLAIS JOURNAL. 2000. p. 58. Interpretive Summary: With the arrival of the year 2000, the American International Charolais Association is introducing genetic evaluations (EPD) for carcass traits. However, with the arrival of these new tools for changing carcass merit comes the question: what change is beneficial? Genetic antagonisms between carcass traits and maternal fitness complicate the issue. To reduce the impact of genetic antagonisms on production efficiency, commercial beef producers may use Charolais as terminal sires. Purebred breeders serving this clientele would logically place positive selection pressure on growth traits and carcass leanness. A mutant of the myostatin gene causing double muscling is present in North American Charolais. Breeders are advised that selection for extreme high rib-eye area and low fat thickness may increase the frequency of this allele. When Charolais contributes as a general purpose breed in commercial crossing selection, decisions are more complicated. The optimum composition of Charolais germ plasm is not likely to be extreme. Balance among the EPD for a broad spectrum of traits is preferred. Technical Abstract: With the arrival of the year 2000, the American International Charolais Association is introducing genetic evaluations (EPD) for carcass traits. However, with the arrival of these new tools for changing carcass merit comes the question: what change is beneficial? Genetic antagonisms between carcass traits and maternal fitness complicate the issue. To reduce the impact of genetic antagonisms on production efficiency, commercial beef producers may use Charolais as terminal sires. Purebred breeders serving this clientele would logically place positive selection pressure on growth traits and carcass leanness. A mutant of the myostatin gene causing double muscling is present in North American Charolais. Breeders are advised that selection for extreme high rib-eye area and low fat thickness may increase the frequency of this allele. When Charolais contributes as a general purpose breed in commercial crossing selection, decisions are more complicated. The optimum composition of Charolais germ plasm is not likely to be extreme. Balance among the EPD for a broad spectrum of traits is preferred. |
