Testing a continuous variation in preweaning expression of muscular hypertrophy in beef cattle using field data

Abstract. The hypothesis of a continuous variation in the expression of muscular hypertrophy has been tested using field data. A modification of NEUVY and VISSAC's cularity index method (Culard Index) was assayed. Expression of muscular hypertrophy showed a broad phenotypical variability. Environmental factors affecting expression of muscular hypertrophy characterised by Culard Index were calving season, age of dam, sex of calf, muscularity of dam, muscularity of sire and age of calf at weaning. In addition, Culard Index influences significantly preweaning growth traits confirming double muscled calves’ higher preweaning growth ability. Culard Index score showed moderate heritability. Expression of muscular hypertrophy could be a relatively different trait with respect to latent muscular hypertrophy that would be, in turn, determined by a partially dominant major gene. Culard Index could be an interesting tool to make use of the observable differences in expression of muscular hypertrophy.