SELECTION RESPONSE IN A PUREBRED HEREFORD AND A MULTI-BREED SYNTHETIC POPULATION OF BEEF CATTLE

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. SHARMA ◽  
L. WILLMS ◽  
R. T. HARDIN ◽  
R. T. BERG

Phenotypic, environmental and genetic trends were estimated for birth weight, preweaning average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight in males and females combined; postweaning ADG and yearling weight in males; and 18-mo weight in females in a purebred Hereford and a multi-breed Synthetic population of beef cattle, for the period 1966–1978, from The University of Alberta Ranch at Kinsella. Mean selection differential, heritability, expected genetic response and actual genetic response were estimated for each trait. Methods employed to estimate trends were: (1) deviation from a control population, and (2) best linear unbiased prediction estimates of sire breeding values. Heritabilities, selection differentials and expected gains were higher for traits in the Synthetics than in the Herefords except for the 18-mo weight in females. Realized gains in most of the traits were also higher in Synthetics than in Herefords. Genetic trends obtained by the two methods were variable and deviated from the expected gains. Positive genetic trends for growth traits indicated effectiveness of the selection program in both populations. Key words: Beef cattle, selection response, growth traits

1981 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. GOONEWARDENE ◽  
R. T. BERG ◽  
R. T. HARDIN

Four growth equations (Richards, Brody, Von Bertalanffy and Logistic) were fitted to data from two breed groups of female beef cattle, purebred Hereford (HE) and synthetic of Charolais, Angus and Galloway (SY), which were maintained at the University of Alberta beef breeding research ranch at Kinsella, Alberta. All functions fitted three common parameters (an asymptote, an integration constant and a maturing rate parameter). Two functions (Von Bertalanffy and Logistic) had fixed inflection points while the Richards function fitted the inflection point as a fourth parameter. The Brody function had no inflection point. Based on the R2, mean prediction errors (MPE) and residual variances, the Richards function, with a variable inflection point, provided the best overall and the most consistent fit to both sets of data, followed by the Brody function with no inflection point. The Richards was the only function that could predict birth weight with any degree of accuracy. The Logistic and Von Bertalanffy functions, with fixed inflection points, provided poor estimates of actual weights at each end of the growth curve, overestimating birth weight and converging too early leading to underestimation of adult weight or the asymptote. Intermediate weights were reasonably well estimated by these functions. The HE group showed a 28% greater maturing rate compared with the SY based on the Richards function.


1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B. JEFFERY ◽  
R. T. BERG

A study involving three sets of data from the University of Alberta beef breeding herd (1966–67, 176 cows; 1967–68, 167 cows; 1968–70, 285 cows) was conducted to determine the influence of birth weight of calf (BW), postcalving weight of dam (PCW), and breed effect on calf performance to 365 days of age. The influence of preweaning on postweaning performance was also considered. Calves heavier at birth tended to excel in both preweaning and postweaning growth rate. A 1-kg increase in BW resulted in an increase of 2.86–4.42 kg in calf weight at 365 days of age. For male calves, PCW was negatively associated with calf weight at both 180 and 365 days of age for 1966–67 data; however, for 1967–68 and 1968–70 data, a 10-kg increase in PCW resulted in 0.70- and 0.92-kg increases, respectively, in calf weight at 180 days, and 1.96- and 2.12-kg increases in calf weight at 365 days, respectively. For female calves, a 10-kg increase in PCW resulted in 1.40-, 0.88-, and 0.29-kg increases in calf weight at 180 days of age, and 0.68-, 1.31-, and 0.31-kg increases in calf weight at 365 days of age, respectively, for the three sets of data. Breed difference explained from 22 to 43% of the variance in average daily gain of calf to weaning (ADG) but only 0.2–13.8% of the variance in postweaning average daily gain (PWADG). Male calves with higher ADG to weaning or heavier weaning weights tended to have slightly higher PWADG. A 10-kg advantage in weaning weight for male calves resulted in a 12–14-kg advantage in weight at 365 days of age.


1971 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B. JEFFERY ◽  
R. T. BERG

A study with 176 (1966) and 201 (1967) cows from the University of Alberta beef herd was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a number of milk variables for explaining variance in preweaning gain of beef calves. The seven milk variables calculated over 24 hours were yield of milk, total energy, total protein and total solids, and percentages of butterfat, protein and solids-not-fat. These variables were measured for two periods, August and October, and averages for the two periods were calculated. Mean 24-hour milk yield ranged from 3.8 to 6.1 kilograms. Percentage of butterfat, protein and solids-not-fat, respectively, ranged from 4.10 to 5.77, 3.28 to 3.93, and 8.67 to 9.50. The intercorrelations among yield of milk, energy, protein and total solids were high and positive, ranging between 0.85 and 0.99. Correlations of milk yield with percent milk components were small and predominantly negative. Intercorrelations of percent milk components ranged from 0.09 to 0.55. Correlations of mean milk yield variables and average daily gain (ADG) of calf to weaning for the two periods ranged from 0.73 to 0.78. In most instances, total milk yield was equally or more highly correlated with ADG than the other milk yield variables. Correlations of percent milk components with ADG were low, and in most instances not significant. In 1966 data, little additional variation in ADG was explained by the inclusion of other milk variables over that explained by milk yield alone. In 1967, the inclusion of milk percent components accounted for from 2 to 7% of variance in ADG over milk yield alone. Average milk yield for the two periods of milking was more consistent than a single milking in explaining variance in ADG over both years. The response of ADG of calf to milk yield was essentially a linear relationship, but there were indications that the curvilinear relationship of ADG and milk yield should not be ignored in beef herds of relatively high milk production.


1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 653-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. AHUNU ◽  
M. MAKARECHIAN

Preweaning weight records of 2856 spring-born calves raised at the University of Alberta cattle ranch during a 15-yr period were used in this study. Calving occurred mainly in April and May every year. Calves from three breed groups: Hereford (HE), Beef Synthetic (SY) and Beef Crossbred (XB) were weighed at birth, and in late June, July and August and at weaning in mid-October. They were classified as early, mid-season and late-born according to their birth dates. Average daily gain (ADG) between two consecutive weighings and relative growth rate (RGR) at each interval were analyzed by the least squares method and the adjusted means were plotted against the mean ages of the calves classified at 2-wk intervals to determine the pattern of changes in ADG and RGR with the increase in age of the calf. The SY calves had the highest ADG and RGR followed by the XB and HE (P < 0.05). Bull calves exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) absolute growth rate than heifer calves but the sexes were not different in RGR. Preweaning ADG reached a peak when calves were between 110 and 120 d old and declined thereafter. The decline in RGR was linear during the preweaning period. The mean growth rates of the early and mid-season calves were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the late-born calves, and early-born calves showed more consistent gain than the mid-season and late-born calves. A pronounced decline in gain was observed for mid-season and late-born calves in late summer when pasture condition deteriorated indicating that early weaning and supplementation of calves' diet at that stage might be beneficial in sustaining growth rate of the calves. Key words: Cattle (beef), preweaning growth, calf (beef)


2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Nagy ◽  
P. Gyovai ◽  
I. Radnai ◽  
H. Nagyné Kiszlinger ◽  
J. Farkas ◽  
...  

Abstract. Genetic parameters, inbreeding depression and genetic trends were estimated for average daily gain between the ages of 5-10 weeks and thigh muscle volume (measured in vivo with computerized tomography) in a group of 22 098 Pannon terminal line rabbits born between 2006 and 2011 and reared in 3 396 litters. The data sets were analysed with bi-variate animal models taking pedigree completeness (complete generation equivalent) into account. By 2011, all rabbits were inbred and the average inbreeding coefficient and complete generation equivalent of the population were 7.69 % and 11.89 %, respectively. Estimated heritability was moderate both for average daily gain (0.23±0.02) and thigh muscle volume (0.25±0.03). Litter effects were low for both traits (0.16±0.00 and 0.09±0.01 respectively). The genetic correlation coefficient estimate between average daily gain and thigh muscle volume was also low (0.02±0.08). Significant inbreeding depression (per 10 % inbreeding) was only detected for average daily gain (0.57 g/d). The estimated annual selection response was substantial both for average daily gain and thigh muscle volume (1.49 g/d and 5.84 cm3, respectively), proving the efficiency of the breeding programme.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tety Hartatik ◽  
AHMAD FATHONI ◽  
SIGIT BINTARA ◽  
ISMAYA ◽  
PANJONO ◽  
...  

Abstract. Hartatik T., Fathoni A, Bintara S., Ismaya, Panjono, Widyobroto B.P, Agus A, Budisatria I.G.S, Leroy P. 2020. Short communication: The genotype of growth hormone gene that affects the birth weight and average daily gain in crossbred beef cattle. Biodiversitas 21: 941-945. Growth Hormone gene has been proposed to direct search for quantitative trait loci, and polymorphisms at these loci have been associated with several production traits in bovine. This research aimed to investigate the association of the genotype of partial growth hormone gene with birth weight and average daily gain in crossbred beef cattle. The materials of this research consist of 47 samples from four different breeds. Birth weight was measured just after calving delivery from the mother. The average daily gain was calculated from the period since birth weight to the second weight (90 days). Genotyping of the growth hormone gene was determined by the sequencing and PCR-RFLP method with the AluI restriction enzyme. The association between genotype and growth traits data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by RStudio version 1.1.383. The results showed the significantly different (P<0.001) in birth weight and average daily gain according to the different breed. Friesian Holstein breed showed the highest birth weight, followed by Belgian Blue Bull cross and others. The genotype valine/valine only occurs in Belgian blue bull cross and Wagyu bull cross cattle and showed moderate birth weight. Genotype affects birth weight significantly (P<0.001). The birth weight for genotype leucine/leucine, leucine/valine, and valine/valine was 34.82±18.13, 25.31±13.10, and 29.35±13.65, respectively. There was no significant difference in average daily genes according to the different genotypes. In conclusion, the growth hormone gene was probably one of the molecular genetics markers for excellent growth traits in different crossbred beef cattle.


1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 647-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
G. M. WEISS ◽  
H. T. FREDEEN ◽  
J. A. NEWMAN ◽  
J. E. LAWSON

Genetic effects on postweaning growth traits were evaluated for 3592 crossbred steers and heifers fed at two locations, Brandon, Manitoba and Lacombe, Alberta during a 6-yr period (1973–1978). The calves were sired by Chianina (Chi), Charolais (C), Limousin (L) and Simmental (S) bulls mated to 10 F1 dam-crosses representing the Hereford × Angus (HA) and nine dam-cross combinations produced by mating C, S and L sires with H, A and Shorthorn (N) females. Progeny rankings by terminal sire breed for weight on-test were C = Chi = S > L. For the trait 140-d postweaning average daily gain, progeny rankings were C > Chi = S, C = Chi > L and Chi > S > L. The progeny from the majority of "exotic" cross-dams were heavier on-test, and had higher postweaning average daily gain than progeny from HA dams. Ranking of dam-crosses according to their breed of sire (DS) for the trait weight on-test were S > C > L. The DS comparisons for postweaning average daily gain were C > S > L. The ranking of dam-crosses by breed of dam's dam, for on-test weight and postweaning average daily gain were N > H = A. Genetic interactions (terminal sire by breed cross of dam) were absent. Genotype environment interactions involving breed of terminal sire with year, sex and location were found for weight on-test and postweaning average daily gain. All resulted from changes in the magnitude of breed of sire differences, not from changes in sire rankings. Key words: Cattle, breeds, cross breeding, growth


Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanwei Zhuang ◽  
Lingyang Xu ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Huijiang Gao ◽  
Lupei Zhang ◽  
...  

Improving the genetic process of growth traits is one of the major goals in the beef cattle industry, as it can increase meat production and reduce the cost of raising animals. Although several quantitative trait loci affecting growth traits in beef cattle have been identified, the genetic architecture of these economically important traits remains elusive. This study aims to map single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with birth weight (BW), yearling weight (YW), average daily gain from birth to yearling (BYADG), and body weight at the age of 18 months (18MW) in a Chinese Simmental beef cattle population using a weighted, single-step, genome-wide association study (wssGWAS). Phenotypic and pedigree data from 6022 animals and genotypes from 744 animals (596,297 SNPs) were used for an association analysis. The results showed that 66 genomic windows explained 1.01–20.15% of the genetic variance for the four examined traits, together with the genes near the top SNP within each window. Furthermore, the identified genomic windows (>1%) explained 50.56%, 57.71%, 61.78%, and 37.82% of the genetic variances for BW, YW, BYADG, and 18MW, respectively. Genes with potential functions in muscle development and regulation of cell growth were highlighted as candidates for growth traits in Simmental cattle (SQOR and TBCB for BW, MYH10 for YW, RLF for BYADG, and ARHGAP31 for 18MW). Moreover, we found 40 SNPs that had not previously been identified as being associated with growth traits in cattle. These findings will further advance our understanding of the genetic basis for growth traits and will be useful for the molecular breeding of BW, YW, BYADG, and 18MW in the context of genomic selection in beef cattle.


2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Prayaga

Data from a crossbreeding experiment conducted during 1992–97 involving 31 genotypes from tropically adapted British (B), Sanga-derived (S), Zebu cross (Zx), Zebu (Z), and Continental (C) beef cattle breed groups were analysed to compare least-squares means, direct and maternal genetic effects, and heterosis estimates for birthweight, weaning weight, yearling weight, final weight (18 months), and pre- and post-weaning average daily gain (ADG). The genotypes were regrouped as Bos taurus (B, S, C)- and Bos indicus (Z, Zx)-derived groups to enable the comparison of direct (dD) and maternal (mD) dominance effects among indicine (II), taurine–indicine (TI), and taurine (TT) crosses. Genotype, contemporary group (year of birth, season of birth, and age of the dam), sex, and genotype × sex interactions were significant (P < 0.01) sources of variation for all the traits. Treatment to control parasites significantly (P < 0.01) affected post-weaning growth traits. In general, crossbred calves performed better than purebred calves. Z dam breeds resulted in lower birthweight, and Z sire breeds and S dam breeds resulted in heavier birthweights. For traits after birth, ZC and ZC crosses with S and Z showed heavier weights and higher gains. Prior to weaning, males weighed significantly more and gained weight at a faster rate than females in most of the crossbreds. Weight gain was relatively low between weaning and yearling age.Direct and maternal additive effects were estimated as a deviation from the British breed group mean for various traits. Direct additive effects of C, Z, and S were high and significantly different from the British mean for all the growth traits. Maternal additive effects of C were low and not significantly different from the British mean. Large negative maternal additive effects of Z and Zx caused lower birthweights of calves from Z and Zx dams. A decrease of maternal additive effect from weaning to final weight and pre-weaning to post-weaning ADG was noticed. The magnitude of dD effects was higher in TI crosses than in II crosses for all the traits except for birthweight, indicating the advantage of Bos taurus × Bos indicus crosses. In TT crosses, dD was only significant for weaning weight (P�<�0.01) and pre-weaning ADG (P < 0.05). Significant (P < 0.01) and positive mD effects observed in TI crosses indicated a better maternal environment provided by crossbred dams. High correlation coefficient estimates (0.92–0.99) between least-squares means and predicted means, observed for a set of F1 genotypes, indicated the prediction of performance of untested genotypes with reasonable accuracy. The per cent heterosis estimates were higher in Zebu × British breed crosses.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document