*2.8. Statistical Analyses*

Response variables were analyzed using generalized linear mixed model procedures (SAS GLIMMIX, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA) in a completely randomized design. The intrauterine environment was considered the experimental unit for ultrasound measurements, carcass characteristics, and meat quality data and was designated as a random effect. Treatment, sex, and their interaction were included in the model as fixed effects. For carcass characteristics and meat quality data, harvest date was included in the model as a fixed effect to absorb variation due to this effect (data not shown). For WBSF, aging period was added to the model as a repeated measure and peak cooking temperature was included as a covariate. Separation of least squares means was conducted using protected LSD. Treatment by sex interactions were evaluated and discussed if significant.
