The aims of this study were to estimate the genetic correlation of intramuscular fat (IMF) content with economic traits in a Duroc line used for producing high valued cured retail cuts and also to experimentally assess whether selection for body weight at restrained backfat depth is a good strategy for improving IMF content in this line. The opportunity was taken to examine the consistency of the model used for predicting the IMF breeding values and the expected selection response for IMF under different scenarios. The results from this study indicate that IMF can only be efficiently selected if it is systematically recorded. The pig lines aimed at producing elite cured products are the best candidates where investments in this kind of recording systems may pay off.

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