Marbling is characterized by the amount and distribution of intramuscular
fat. Increased marbling levels improve the palatability and
acceptability of beef by affecting the meat tenderness and taste
(Boylston et al., 1995; Busboom et al., 1993; Matsuishi, Fujimori, &
Okitani, 2001). A better knowledge of the molecular architecture of
marbling is important as itmay generate newopportunities formore effective
marker-assisted breeding, leading to economic benefits to the
beef production industry.