AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightIt was found that homozygous (NN) and heterozygous (MN) conditions of the CLPG gene were observed in all sheep breeds, except Ramlıç which exhibits only NN.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This study is set out to evaluate the effects of callipyge (CLPG) gene, attributed to sheep affecting growth and meat quality, on carcass and sensory trait of most preferred meat-type lamb (Kıvırcık, Karacabey Merino, Ramlıç, German Black-Head Mutton × Kıvırcık, Hampshire Down × Merino) in the western part of Turkey. Two datasets were used: (i) 177 lambs (66 males, 111 females) to determine genotype and allele frequencies; (ii) 48 genotypically identified male lambs for the assessment of carcass and meat sensory quality. It was found that homozygous (NN) and heterozygous (MN) conditions of the CLPG gene were observed in all sheep breeds, except Ramlıç which exhibits only NN. No significant differences were observed in CLPG genotypes for slaughter weight, cold carcass weight, and cold dressing percentage (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the effect of genotype on neck percentage was significant (p 0.05). Similarly, the effect of genotype on meat quality assessment was not significant (p > 0.05); however, shear force, water holding capacity, and cooking loss of the NN genotype were higher than the MN genotype. Indeed, no interaction between genotype and time was observed on the color parameter of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle at various storage periods (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that all meat-type sheep breeds (except Ramlıç) were polymorphic, suggesting that heterozygous individuals who received the CLPG mutation from the sire should be adopted in selection programs to improve carcass traits.