Effect of genotype, sex and slaughter weight on veal Longissimus muscle area measured by ultrasound and planimeter

The aim of this research was to determine effect of genotype (Holstein, Simmental and their crossbreeds), sex and slaughter weight groups (SW1=150-160kg and SW2=190-200kg) on veal Longissimus muscle area (LMA). Between the12th and the13th rib, two ultrasound LMA (ULMA) images were taken from each animal and carcass LMA (CLMA) traced on transparent foil was measured by planimeter. For both measures, Simmental calves had larger LMA than Holstein (P<0.001) and crossbreeds (P<0.05). Male and female calves did not differ significantly in ULMA and CLMA. Calves of SW2 group had larger LMA (P<0.0001) than SW1 group. High correlation coefficient between ULMA and CLMA was determined in this research. Veal LMA was significantly affected by genotype and slaughter weight. According to high correlation coefficients, ultrasound can be useful in estimating carcass traits of cattle at early age.