Results from six generations of selection for intramuscular fat in Duroc swine using real-time ultrasound. I. Direct and correlated phenotypic responses to selection

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selection for intramuscular fat (IMF) in a population of purebred Duroc swine using real-time ultrasound. Forty gilts were purchased from US breeders and randomly mated for 2 generations to boars available in regional boar studs, resulting in a base population of 56 litters. Littermate pairs of gilts from this population were randomly assigned to a select line (SL) or control line (CL) and mated to the same sire to establish genetic ties between lines. At an average BW of 114 kg, a minimum of 4 longitudinal ultrasound images were collected 7 cm off-midline across the 10th to 13th ribs of all pigs for the prediction of IMF (UIMF). At least 1 barrow or gilt was slaughtered from each litter, and carcass data were collected. A sample of the LM from the 10th to 11th rib interface was analyzed for carcass IMF (CIMF). Breeding values for IMF were estimated by fitting a 2-trait (UIMF and CIMF) animal model in MATVEC. In the SL, selection in each subsequent generation was based on EBV for IMF with the top 10 boars and top 75 gilts used to produce the next generation. One boar from each sire family and 50 to 60 gilts representing all sire families were randomly selected to maintain the CL. Through 6 generations of selection, an 88% improvement in IMF has been realized (4.53% in SL vs. 2.41% in CL). Results of this study revealed no significant correlated responses in measures of growth performance. However, 6 generations of selection for IMF have yielded correlated effects of decreased loin muscle area and increased backfat. Additionally, the SL obtained more desirable objective measures of tenderness and sensory evaluations of flavor and off-flavor. Meat quality characteristics of pH, water holding capacity, and percent cooking loss were not significantly affected by selection for IMF. Selection for IMF using real-time ultrasound is effective but may be associated with genetic ramifications for carcass composition traits. Intramuscular fat may be used in purebred Duroc swine breeding programs as an indicator trait for sensory traits that influence consumer acceptance; however, rapid improvement should not be expected when simultaneous improvement in other trait categories is also pursued.