Genetic improvement of Canadian lamb carcass yield, quality and growth traits

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In the Canadian lamb industry, carcass yield and quality traits are of considerable importance because these relate directly supply chain production efficiency, economic profitability and consumer choice of domestic products. However, a large-scale evaluation of commercial performance and genetics of lamb carcass yield and quality traits has yet to be conducted for Canadian breeds and processing systems. This study seeks to benchmark phenotypes and examine genetic bases of carcass yield, fat depth and conformation in commercial lambs, and consider genetic relationships with early growth, ultrasound measurements and other economically important production and reproduction traits. The goal is to find optimal selection methods to improve carcass yield and quality in commercial lamb breeding programs. Data on carcass weight, backfat depth, conformation scores, slaughter age, and individual market prices from commercial lambs processed over 2.5 years in Quebec graded carcass program will be studied. These data can be linked with pedigree and early life records in the Canadian Sheep Genetic Evaluation System (CSGES) database. Quantitative genetic analyses will be performed to determine heritability and genetic correlations for these traits. These parameters will be used to predict how selective breeding can improve lamb carcass yield and quality, and how these traits relate with early growth and ultrasound measurements. A greater understanding of the genetic basis of lamb carcass yield and quality will allow the industry to develop more efficient and quality animals, increasing income at the commercial level and overall industry profitability while also improving consumer product quality.