Quantitative trait loci with additive effects on growth and carcass traits in a Wagyu-Limousin F2 population

A whole-genome scan for carcass traits [average daily gain during the pre-weaning, growth and finishing periods; birth weight; hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area (LMA)] was performed on 328 F2 progeny produced from Wagyu × Limousin-cross parents derived from eight founder Wagyu bulls. Nine significant (P ≤ 0.05) and four suggestive (P ≤ 0.1) QTL affecting seven growth and carcass traits were identified. Significant QTL were located on bovine chromosomes 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17 and 29. A QTL previously reported on chromosome 2 for LMA was also detected in this study. These results provide insight into genetic differences between the Wagyu and Limousin breeds.