Genome-wide scans for QTL affecting carcass traits in Hereford x composite double backcross populations

A genome-wide scan for chromosomal regions influencing carcass traits was conducted spanning 2.413 morgans on 29 bovine autosomes using 229 microsatellite markers. Two paternal half-sib families of backcross progenies were produced by mating Hereford x composite gene combination (CGC) bulls to both Hereford and CGC dams. Progeny of the first sire (n = 146) were born in 1996 and progeny of the second sire (n = 112) were born in 1997. Each year cattle were fed out and slaughtered serially when they were between 614 and 741 d of age. Phenotypes measured at harvest were: live weight; carcass weight; fat depth; marbling; percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH); and rib eye area. Dressing percentage and USDA Yield Grade were calculated from these data. The phenotypes were adjusted to age-, live weight-, and fat depth-constant endpoints using analysis of covariance. The resulting residuals were analyzed by interval mapping to detect QTL. Within family, nominal significance was established by permutation analysis. Approximate genome-wide significance levels were established by applying the Bonferroni correction to the nominal probability levels. Regression and error sums of squares and degrees of freedom were pooled across families when suggestive linkage identified in one family was confirmed in the other. The results indicate promising locations for QTL affecting live weight on BTA 17 and marbling on BTA 2 that segregate in Bos taurus. Also, previously identified linkage between central markers on BTA 5 and USDA Yield Grade was confirmed in one family. Greater marker saturation in these regions coupled with refined methods for data analysis will lead to more precise determination of QTL positions.