Subcutaneous fat distribution as assessed by ultrasound in
Border Leicester and Dorset Down ewe hoggets
J.M. Deaker, M.J. Young
Animal & Veterinary Sciences Group, Lincoln University,
Canterbury, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1992, 52: 45-48
Forty Border Leicester (BL) and forty-eight Dorset Down (DD)
ewe hoggets (7.5mo) that had been farmed together were scanned using a
real-time ultrasound machine, at six sites with one muscle depth (B) and
five subcutaneous fat depth measurements (R - tissue depth over fifth
rib, C - backfat over last rib, GR, L - backfat over last lumbar
vertebrae, T - fat over tail) being taken. Comparisons of tissue ratios
(individual fat depth divided by B) were used to characterise
subcutaneous fat distribution. From these ratios it was found that the
DD had 9%, 10% and 6% greater ratios at R, L and T respectively, and 7%
lower ratios at C and GR. Breed differences at R, GR and T were
significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that true genetic differences in
subcutaneous fat distribution existed between the genotypes studied.
These findings have implications for carcass classification, for
breeding programmes for lean growth, and for comparisons of the fatness
of different genotypes.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Subcutaneous fat distribution; ultrasound; Border Leicester;
Dorset Down; fat depth; muscle depth; carcass classification; selection;
lean growth.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
