Double muscling II. – Genetic determination

Abstract

Mutations in the myostatin gene that increase muscle mass, characterized double muscling or muscular hypertrophy phenotype in some cattle breeds. Despite some restrictions related to calving ease, the carcass of these animals is considered superior, resulting in higher meat yield, a higher proportion of expensive meat cuts and lean and tender meat, and have been used in production systems worldwide. The possibility to identify the carriers of the mutation has been decisive in meat production systems. The mutation was identified in other species of economic interest, such as sheep, demanding new research and strategies to improve the production systems.