Genetics of fat colour in cattle

Abstract

Fat colour score (FCS), beta-carotene concentration and their relationship were examined in carcasses of Jersey, Limousin, and Fl heifers and in biopsy samples of Jersey, 3/4 Jersey, and 3/4 Limousin weaners. Results demonstrate significant differences between all breeds in beta-carotene concentration and FCS. High correlations between FCS and beta-carotene concentration were also demonstrated. Sex differences in FCS and beta-carotene concentration were not significant. The shape of the distributions of beta-carotene content in fat varied between the breeds. High outliers were observed for the pure Jersey, 3/4 Jersey, and Fl and not observed in Limousin and 3/4 Limousin. Based on this preliminary data, we confirmed that beta-carotene concentration in fat of cattle has a genetic basis and hypothesise that a major gene(s) may be involved.