Fat deposition in a double-muscled steer

A homozygous double-muscled steer was full fed a high-energy ration for approximately 18 months to assess its potential for fat deposition. After slaughter, the carcass possessed modest quantities of intramuscular fat. The fat thickness at the 12th rib was 2·4 cm and the carcass contained about 3·5% kidney, heart and pelvic fat. The adipose tissue appeared physiologically normal, as its composition of total lipids and individual fatty acids was comparable to that published for non-DM market cattle. In addition, adipose cellularity was comparable to non-DM cattle of similar fatness and weight, indicating that at least some double-muscled cattle have a potential for adipose development comparable to non-double-muscled animals.