Evaluation of the functionality of EUROP carcass classification system in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs

Aim of study was to investigate the relationship of EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes with carcass and meat quality characteristics in thin-tailed (Kivircik) and a fat-tailed (Kangal Akkaraman) lambs. A total of 96 lamb carcasses (48 Kivircik and 48 Kangal Akkaraman breed) were examined. Distribution of carcasses in conformation and fatness classes were more limited in Kangal Akkaraman carcasses. More accurate predictions were obtained in Kivircik lambs compared to Kangal Akkaraman lambs in terms of backfat thickness, kidney knob and channel fat percentage, longissimus thoracis muscle area, weights of high-value carcass joints, weights of tissues in the hind limb and muscle/bone ratio. EUROP classification system was not appropriate for predicting meat quality in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs. The combination of EUROP fatness and conformation classes with cold carcass weight can be used to predict weights of high-value carcass joints and weights of hind limb tissues.

Selection signature analysis reveals genes associated with tail type in Chinese indigenous sheep

Fat-tailed sheep have commercial value because consumers prefer high-protein and low-fat food and producers care about feed conversion rate. However, fat-tailed sheep still have some scientific significance, as the fat tail is commonly regarded as a characteristic of environmental adaptability. Finding the candidate genes associated with fat tail formation is essential for breeding and conservation. To identify these candidate genes, we applied FST and hapFLK approaches in fat- and thin-tailed sheep with available 50K SNP genotype data. These two methods found 6.24 Mb of overlapped regions and 43 genes that may associated with fat tail development. Gene annotation showed that HOXA11, BMP2, PPP1CC, SP3, SP9, WDR92, PROKR1 and ETAA1 may play important roles in fat tail formation. These findings provide insight into tail fat development and a guide for molecular breeding and conservation.