Journal of Animal Science, Vol 74, Issue 5 1009-1013, Copyright © 1996 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Use of expected progeny differences for marbling in beef: I. Production traits

B. A. Vieselmeyer, R. J. Rasby, B. L. Gwartney, C. R. Calkins, R. A. Stock and J. A. Gosey
Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908, USA.

Six Angus bulls with HIGH ( > .4) and six bulls with LOW ( < -.16) expected progeny differences (EPD) for marbling were used to evaluate the impact of marbling on progeny production and carcass traits. Bulls were randomly bred to MARC II (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Simmental, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Gelbvieh) composite cows in each of 2 yr to calve in the spring. At weaning, steers and heifers were separated and managed in different production systems. Steers (n = 131) were fed a growing diet (1.1 Mcal of NEg/kg) for 48 d followed by adaptation to a 93% concentrate finishing diet. Heifers (n = 125) were fed a growing diet (.79 Mcal of NEg/kg) for 191 d followed by adaptation to the same 93% concentrate diet. Steers and heifers from each treatment were slaughtered at two times spaced about 60 d apart within both years. Marbling EPD class had no effect on fat thickness, USDA yield grade, carcass weight, finishing daily gain, finishing DMI, or finishing efficiency (P > .18). More (P < .05) carcasses of calves from sires with HIGH EPD for marbling graded USDA Choice than from LOW EPD sires, 74% vs 47%, respectively. Angus sires can be selected to produce progeny that have increased ability to grade Choice without increasing yield grade or decreasing animal growth or feed efficiency.

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