J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1943. 2:42-49.
© 1943 American Society of Animal Science
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The Muscle-Bone Ratio as an Index of Merit in Beef and Dual-Purpose Cattle

O. G. Hankins, Bradford Knapp, Jr. and Ralph W. Phillips

United States Department of Agriculture1

Abstract

A study was made of the muscle-bone ratio in 135 steers, 55 of which were beef Shorthorn and 80 dual-purpose Shorthorn. Statistically significant differences were observed between the types which accounted for approximately 15.6 per cent of the total variance. There was a significant difference between sires within each type which accounted for approximately 22 per cent of the total variance. Tests for differences between sire groups within each type showed several highly significant differences.

No significant correlation was found within types between muscle-bone ratio and per cent of separable fat in the carcass.

No relationship was found between live animal measurements and the muscle-bone ratio, indicating that selections could not be made on the basis of conformation as evaluated by such measurements.

There were significant correlations between some of the carcass measurements and the muscle-bone ratio, but none were high enough to be of value in predicting muscle-bone ratio within types. The highest relationships were with leg bones as a percentage of live weight and the average thickness of the meat over the rib.

There was no relationship between muscle-bone ratio and efficiency of gain or age of steer at slaughter.

Necessary differences were calculated between sire groups, and it was determined that beyond approximately 10 steer offspring, relatively little information was obtained for each additional steer studied.

Footnotes

1 Bureau of Animal Industry, Beltsville Research Center. Beltsville, Md.






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Copyright © 1943 by the American Society of Animal Science.