PSII-B-26 - Comparison of Suffolk and Texel sired lamb growth and satellite cell proliferation in the early postnatal period

Suffolk ewes (n = 26) were blocked by body condition and weight, and randomly divided into two breeding groups (n = 13/group). One group was bred to a Texel ram and the other to a Suffolk ram. Ewes were confirmed pregnant by ultrasound and went to term. Male lambs (n = 4/sire/time) were harvested on d 2, 14, and 203 of age for muscle characterization and satellite cell isolation. From d 2 to 14, body weight increased (P < 0.01) by 80%, weight of the longissimus increased by 160%, and longissimus muscle area increased by 100%. Between d 14 and 203 lamb weight and weight of the longissimus increased by 350%, while longissimus area only increased by 100%. Sire breed did not alter lamb weight or weight of the longissimus (P > 0.10). Longissimus muscle area tended (P < 0.10) to be increased for Texel sired lambs when compared to Suffolk sired lambs. The total number of satellite cells isolated were not different by sire breed but did differ by animal age (P < 0.01). Satellite cell populations per gram of tissue increased between d 2 and 14 and decreased from d 14 to 203. Due to the large changes in growth from d2 to 14, satellite cell proliferation was examined at d 2 of age. Satellite cell proliferation capacity was altered by sire breed at d 2 of age potentially contributing to the increased longissimus muscle area. Advancing animal age and development alters satellite cell population numbers and potentially supports a high capacity for growth.