Quantitative trait loci with additive effects on growth and carcass traits in a Wagyu–Limousin F2 population

  • Alexander, L. J.
  • Geary, T. W.
  • Snelling, W. M.
  • MacNeil, M. D.

  • *USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT 59301, USA, †USDA-ARS, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA

Address for correspondence L. Alexander, USDA-ARS, LARRL, Ft Keogh, 243 Fort Keogh Rd, Miles City, MT 59301, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted for publication 29 April 2007

Animal Genetics 38(4):p 413-416, August 2007.

Summary

A whole-genome scan for carcass traits [average daily gain during the pre-weaning, growth and finishing periods; birth weight; hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area (LMA)] was performed on 328 F2 progeny produced from Wagyu × Limousin-cross parents derived from eight founder Wagyu bulls. Nine significant (P ≤ 0.05) and four suggestive (P ≤ 0.1) QTL affecting seven growth and carcass traits were identified. Significant QTL were located on bovine chromosomes 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17 and 29. A QTL previously reported on chromosome 2 for LMA was also detected in this study. These results provide insight into genetic differences between the Wagyu and Limousin breeds.

Copyright © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.