Genetic and nutritional regulation of lamb growth and muscle characteristics

Abstract

Combined actions of nutrition and genetic regulation of the growth rate of lambs as well as the physical, biochemical, and eating quality characteristics of their skeletal muscle were assessed in a major field experiment. Data arising were collated and integrated to consolidate findings made at the farm, animal, tissue, cellular, and gene expression levels. At the farm level, increased nutrient availability significantly increased the growth rate of crossbred lambs and increased the growth advantage resulting from the use of sires with high estimated breeding values (EBV) for growth. In contrast, the extra depth of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (EMD) arising from sires with a highe..