This study investigated the peculiarities of cattle marbling. Four breeds of cattle were raised in an experimental setting before being slaughtered. Azawak, Bunaji, Rahaji, and Sokoto Gudali bulls were used; with an age range of 1½ to 2 years old, and their live weights were 200–235 kg. Through computerized image analysis, marbling features in the longissimus muscle (LM) and semitendinosus muscle were identified and categorized. There were variations in the amount, composition, and arrangement of the marbling specks in both muscles among the breeds. Compared to other breeds, Azawak bulls have significantly less fat deposited on them. Marbling fleck regions were bigger (P < 0.05) in Rahaji bulls. Rahaji still had the largest (P < 0.05) number and the most consistent (P < 0.05) distribution of the marbling specks. Additionally, when compared to the other breeds under investigation, the marbling features of Rahaji bulls displayed a higher quantity and a slightly finer structure, followed by Sokoto Gudali. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the proportion of marbling flecks as the structure of the flecks grew larger (P < 0.05) and coarser. As the proportion and quantity of marbling flecks increased, the distribution of these particles was regular (P < 0.05). The findings imply that adipocyte hyperplasia contributes significantly to marbling in cattle during muscle growth.
Key words: Adipocytes, Breed difference, Cattle, Growth, Hyperplasia
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