Associations of feed efficiency with circulating IGF-1 and leptin, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montelli, N.L.L.L.; Alvarenga, T.I.R.C.; Almeida, A.K.; Alvarenga, F.A.P.; Furusho-Garcia, I.F.; Greenwood, P.L.; Pereira, I.G.
• Is Part Of: Meat science. Volume 173(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Eye muscle area -- Fatness -- Organs -- Residual feed intake -- Residual feed intake and gain -- Sheep; Meat -- Periodicals; Meat industry and trade -- Periodicals; Viande -- Périodiques; Viande -- Industrie -- Périodiques; Meat; Meat industry and trade; Periodicals; 641.36
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1740

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feed efficiency classifications on live animal measurements, circulating IGF-1 and leptin concentrations, and carcass, non-carcass and meat quality traits of lambs. One-hundred and two lambs approximately 70 days-old with initial live weight of 24.6 ± 3.71 kg (mean ± SD) were individually fed for 56 days to determine residual feed intake (RFI) and residual feed intake and gain (RIG). Lambs were then classified as phenotypically Low-, Medium- or High-RFI and Low-, Medium- or High-RIG phenotypes. Circulating leptin and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in more efficient lambs (Low-RFI or High-RIG). Variation in RFI and RIG did not affect meat redness or tenderness, but High-RIG lambs had darker meat. These findings show that the phenotypically more efficient Low-RFI and High-RIG lambs produced carcasses with similar characteristics and meat quality as the less efficient High-RFI and Low-RIG lambs but have a strategic advantage of lower feed intake to achieve similar production outcomes.