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Title
Capturing lean distribution in lamb carcases is of more value to the processor than the breeder
Author(s)
Publication Date
2021-11
Early Online Version
Abstract
<p>With an increased implementation of chain speed measures of lean weight in lamb processing plants there is the potential for increased feedback of measures for carcase composition to the breeder. The following studies used computed tomography scans of 3167 Merino and Merino cross lamb carcases to determine the importance of capturing variation in carcase, fore, saddle and hind section lean to the processor and the breeder. Sectional measures of lean weight will provide processors with improved precision around the decision making associated with carcase processing and endpoint usage. Genetic correlations between lean (adjusted for carcase weight) within carcase sections ranged from 0.47 to 0.63. Whilst the correlations are moderate, current differences in the value of lean across the carcase does not make it viable for sheep breeders to target disproportional gains in lean across carcase sections. Instead, sheep breeders should continue to target overall carcase lean as part of their breeding objective.</p>
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
Meat Science, v.181, p. 1-7
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
2021-04-16
Place of Publication
Netherlands
ISSN
1873-4138
0309-1740
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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