J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1973. 36:617-621.
© 1973 American Society of Animal Science
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Genotype-Environment Interaction in Sheep. III. Lamb Carcass Traits

R. C. Carter1, G. M. Carman2 and F. S. McClaugherty3

Canada Department of Agriculture and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061

Abstract

Ewes of two breed crosses, North Country Cheviot by grade Canadian Leicester (NC x; L), produced in Quebec, and Hampshire x; Hampshire x; Rambouillet (H x; HR) backcrosses, produced in Virginia, were compared through five lamb crops at two locations: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Glade Spring, Virginia, U. S. A. Ewes were bred to Suffolk rams. Three rams were used each year, the same rams at both locations, and were replaced annually.

A sample of lambs, balanced by ewe breed cross, sire and sex was chosen each year at each location for detailed carcass observations. Highly significant ewe breed cross x; location interactions were evident for carcass weight, carcass grade, yield (dressing percentage), and weight of loin. There was no evidence of a breed x; location interaction in any linear carcass measurement (carcass length, depth, width, cross-sectional area of the loin eye (longissimus muscle) or fat thickness of the 12th to 13th rib) when carcass weight was held constant. The significant ewe breed cross x; location interactions appear to be a reflection of differential response to the environments in growth rate and general size and not in differential skeletal or muscle growth.

Footnotes

1 Department of Animal Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.

2 Information Division, Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa.

3 Southwest Virginia Research Station, Glade Spring.






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