Variation in reticulo-rumen volumes between and within sheep breeds and genetic relationships with production traits

Autor: N. R. Lambe, A. McLaren, K. McLean, J. Gordon, J. Conington
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Animal Production Science. 62:610-621
ISSN: 1836-5787
1836-0939
DOI: 10.1071/an21423
Popis: Context Reducing methane emissions from livestock systems is a global priority. Genetic selection could play a vital role, but direct measurement of methane emissions from individual sheep is expensive and difficult. Previous research studies, in the UK and internationally, have identified links between rumen morphology, measured by computed tomography (CT) scanning, and methane emissions from sheep. In particular, larger reticulo-rumen volumes (RRvol) are associated with increased methane emissions. Aims The aims were to investigate RRvol differences between breeds and sires, in Texel and Scottish Blackface lambs, and to estimate genetic parameters of RRvol and other production traits in Texel sheep. Methods Scottish Blackface (SBF; n = 151) and Texel (TEX; n = 111) lambs of both sexes, reared together on low-ground pastures, were CT scanned in batches pre-slaughter (average age 20 weeks) and RRvol measured to investigate breed and sire effects. Genetic analysis of RRvol measured in 806 Texel ram lambs (∼20 weeks of age) from the UK’s national breeding programme was undertaken to estimate genetic parameters. Key results SBF lambs had reticulo-rumen volumes 30% larger on average than those of TEX (P
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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