INFLUENCE OF BIRTH DATE, SEX OF CALF, BREED GROUP AND AGE OF DAM ON PREWEANING PERFORMANCE OF RANGE BEEF CALVES

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. AHUNU ◽  
M. MAKARECHIAN
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Breed Group ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Quadratic Effects

Preweaning data on 2856 calves covering a 14-yr period in three breed groups of range beef cattle: Hereford (HE), Beef Synthetic (SY) and Beef Crossbred (XB) were analyzed for birth weight, weaning weight and preweaning average daily gain (ADG). Year of birth, age of dam, sex of calf and breed group were considered as main effects. Calf birth date was used as a covariate in the least-squares analyses. Year of birth was a significant source of variation. The correlation coefficients between the least-squares constants for years and year of birth indicated a steady improvement in the preweaning traits over the 14-yr period. Bull calves exceeded heifers (P < 0.05) in all traits except for ADG in HE. Preweaning performance peaked in calves from 5- to 6-yr-old dams. Though heavier at birth, XB calves were excelled by SY calves at weaning primarily because of superior ADG recorded in SY, while HE was the lightest of the breeding populations. Breed group by sex of calf interactions for weaning weight and ADG were significant. In addition, declining multiplicative sex adjustment factors from birth to weaning in the HE and XB populations suggested that in view of their greater potential for growth, male calves might have been marginally disadvantaged by the poor nutritional environment provided by the dams. In the HE and SY populations, calf birth weights significantly increased with the progression of the calving season, but the stage of the calving season did not affect calf birth weights in XB. The linear effects of age of calf were generally significant for weaning weight while quadratic effects were significant only in the XB population. Key words: Beef cattle, preweaning traits

Evaluation of beef cattle genotypes and estimation of direct and maternal genetic effects in a tropical environment. 1. Growth traits

2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Prayaga
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Additive Effects ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Final Weight

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.

scholarly journals Factors affecting growth traits of beef cattle breeds raised inSlovakia

2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Krupa ◽  
M. Oravcová ◽  
P. Polák ◽  
J. Huba ◽  
Z. Krupová
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
General Linear Model ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Sex Effect ◽  
Beef Cattle Breeds

Growth traits of purebred calves of six beef breeds (Aberdeen Angus &ndash; AA, Blonde d&rsquo;Aquitaine &ndash; BA, Charolais &ndash; CH,Hereford &ndash; HE, Limousine &ndash; LI and Beef Simmental &ndash; BS) born from 1998 to 2002 were analysed. Traits under study were birth weight (BW), weight at 120 days (W120), weight at 210 days &ndash; weaning weight (WW), weight at 365 days &ndash; yearling weight (YW) and average daily gains from birth to 120 days (ADG1), from birth to 210 days (ADG2), from birth to 365 days (ADG3), from 120 to 210 days (ADG4). General linear model with class effects of breed, dam&rsquo;s age at calving, sex, herd-year-season (HYS) and covariation of age at weighing was used for analyses. All effects significantly affected both weight and gain traits except for dam&rsquo;s age that was significant for BW, W120, YW and ADG3, and age at weighing that was significant for W120, WW, YW, ADG2, ADG3, ADG4. Estimated least squares means of growth traits were compared using Scheffe&rsquo;s multiple-range tests. Highest BW (40.57&nbsp;kg) and W120 (172.43 kg) were found for BA calves. BS calves had highest WW (260.30 kg), YW (424.07 kg), ADG1 (1&nbsp;154&nbsp;g), ADG2 (1 053 g), ADG3 (1 054 g) and ADG4 (1 098 g). Highest BW, YW, ADG3 and ADG4 were found for males-singles. Males-twins had highest W120, WW, ADG1 and ADG2. Calves descending from 5&ndash;7 years old dams had highest BW, W120, WW, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG4. The proportion of variability of growth traits explained by HYS effect (42.96&ndash;71.69%) was high, whereas proportions of variability explained by SEX effect (2.03&ndash;5.77%), age of dam (1.02&ndash;2.24%) and breed (1.05&ndash;2.21%) were low. Residuals accounted for 23.71 up to 53.79% of total variance. &nbsp;

AGE AND WEIGHT AT PUBERTY OF CROSSBRED HEIFERS SIRED BY CHAROLAIS, LIMOUSIN, AND SIMMENTAL BULLS

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. SWIERSTRA ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
R. L. CLIPLEF ◽  
J. H. STRAIN
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Visual Observations

Age and weight at first observed estrus (puberty) were studied in 471 crossbred heifers produced by inseminating Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn cows with semen from Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental bulls. Heifers were kept in drylots after weaning and gained an average of 0.68 kg/day. Visual observations and vasectomized bulls fitted with marking harnesses were used for estrous detection. At puberty, the median and mean ages were 336 and 342 days, and the median and mean weights 296 and 305 kg. At puberty, Charolais- and Simmental-sired heifers were about 22 days younger (median age; P < 0.01) than Limousin-sired heifers (324 and 326 vs. 347 days, respectively). Charolais-sired heifers were significantly heavier (median weight) than Limousin- and Simmental-sired heifers (306 vs. 294 and 292 kg, respectively). Heifers from Angus and Hereford dams were about 22 days older (P < 0.01) at puberty than heifers from Shorthorn dams (median 347 and 346 vs. 324 days). Heifers with high preweaning growth rates attained puberty at an earlier age (r = −0.24; P < 0.01). Day of birth within the year had a significant effect on age and weight at puberty; i.e., heifers born early in the calving season were older and heavier at puberty. Weight at puberty was associated with weaning weight (r = 0.61; P < 0.01), birth weight (r = 0.41; P < 0.01), and preweaning average daily gain (r = 0.54; P < 0.01). Calves that were heavy at birth tended to be heavy at weaning, and heavy weaning weights, in turn, were associated with heavy weights at puberty. By 15 mo of age, 99% of all heifers were cycling.

scholarly journals Influence of Cattle Backgrounding Systems on Animal and Carcass Characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Langlie ◽  
B. O. Omontese ◽  
A. D. DiCostanzo ◽  
R. B. Cox ◽  
M. J. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Body Weights

ObjectivesCattle can be managed differently during the backgrounding segment, which may alter long-term animal and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) measure carcass composition over time, and 2) determine the effect of different backgrounding diets on animal growth and carcass characteristics.Materials and MethodsAngus and Angus × Simmental crossed calves (n = 65) were stratified by dam age, birth date, weaning weight, breed, and sex post weaning in a completely randomized design to one of three treatments: (1) perennial pasture (PP; grazing quack grass, orchard grass; smooth brome grass, red clover, and alfalfa); (2) summer annual cover crop (CC; grazing cereal oats, purple top turnips, hunter forage brassica, and graza forage radish); and (3) dry lot (DL; bunk fed a haylage ration consisting of 28 NEm Mcal/50.8 kg DM) during backgrounding for 55 d. Concluding backgrounding, the CC and PP treatments were transported to pens where all treatments were sorted by gender and acclimated to a finishing ration over a period of 14 d and continued receiving 3 step-up diets over the next 25 d. Two pens during the finishing segment were utilized to house heifers and steers, respectively. The heifers were top dressed with melengestral acetate till harvest, which was determined by targeting a common backfat thickness per treatment. From backgrounding to harvest, cattle were weighed to determine body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and hip height (HH) measurements were recorded every 28 d. Five periodic carcass ultrasound measures were recorded to evaluate ultrasound rib eye area (uREA), rib fat thickness (uRFT), and percent intramuscular fat (uIMF). At harvest, carcass measurements included hot carcass weight (HCW), LMA, 12th rib backfat (FT), kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH), marbling and maturity score and objective color (L*, a*, b*). Statistical analyses were conducted using mixed model procedures and animal weaning weight was used as a covariate. Least square means were computed and separated using least significant differences when treatment effects were significant at α ≤ 0.05.ResultsCattle ADG, uREA, uRFT, and HH did not differ (P ≥ 0.05) among treatments from backgrounding to harvest (Table 2). Cattle in DL were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) in BW than CC and PP, which were similar (P ≥ 0.05). Percent uIMF was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for DL and similar (P ≥ 0.05) to PP though CC was lower (P ≤ 0.05) and similar (P ≤ 0.05) to PP.ConclusionTreatments utilizing different backgrounding diets influence average body weights and ultrasound intramuscular adipose. Cattle grazing forages have lighter body weights and lower ultrasound intramuscular adipose though, cattle grazing perennial pastures were most variable in carcass ultrasound intramuscular adipose.Table 2Least squares mean performance responses and ultrasound-measured composition (averaged across all periodic measurements) according to the backgrounding treatment1

Factors affecting weaning weight of beef cattle in a tropical environment

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (68) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Seifert ◽  
TH Rudder ◽  
JW Lapworth
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Tropical Environment ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Commercial Property

Age corrected weaning weights from a commercial property in central Queensland were analysed by the least-squares method. The breeder herd composition varied from low to high grade Brahman cross cows, and Belmont Red, Brahman, Droughtmaster, Hereford and Santa Gertrudis bulls were used in a rotational crossbreeding programme. Age of dam had the largest effect on weaning weight. Cows 11 years and older, produced calves 36 kg heavier than 2-year-old cows. Breed of sire effects were highly significant (P < 0.005), with the Belmont Red sired calves being heavier than Brahman, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and Droughtmaster sired calves. Day of birth had a significant effect on weaning weight representing an extra 0.14 � 0.04 kg per day of age. Over the whole group, heifer calves were 4.2 per cent lighter than steers, but this varied according to the breed of sire ranging from 9.6 to -0.5 per cent.

Genetic improvement of meat sheep. 2. Correction of weaning weight in Dorset and Border Leicester sheep

1977 ◽  
Vol 17 (84) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
IP Gregory ◽  
EM Roberts ◽  
JW James
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Regression Method ◽  
Least Squares Estimation ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Meat Sheep ◽  
Daily Gain

Data from 14635 Dorset and 1214 Border Leicester lambs from nine properties and five years were used to estimate the effects on weaning weight of age of lamb, sex, birth-rearing status and parity of dam, using three methods (average daily gain, pooled regression and least squares). Corrections for all effects varied greatly over properties and years, indicating that weaning weight cannot be satisfactorily adjusted for these environmental factors by the use of standard corrections. The correlations between estimated effects from the three methods were significant, and correlations between the three adjusted weaning weights exceeded 0.9 in most cases. All three methods accounted for similar fractions of variance in weaning weight, but average daily gain correction actually increased the variance on some occasions. Since least squares estimation is complicated, it is concluded that the pooled regression method is better suited to performance recording applications, especially if corrections are estimated within weaning groups, as they should be in view of their variability.

SEX OF CALF AND AGE OF DAM ADJUSTMENTS FOR SOME PERFORMANCE TRAITS IN TWO POPULATIONS OF BEEF CATTLE

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 699-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. SHARMA ◽  
L. WILLMS ◽  
R. T. HARDIN ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Adjustment Factors ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Methods Of Application

Sex of calf and age of dam effects on birth weight, preweaning ADG, 180-day weaning weight; and age of dam effects on yearling weight, postweaning ADG in males, and 18-mo weight in females were studied in a Hereford and a beef Synthetic population. The effects of breed, sex of calf, age of dam and year were significant on preweaning traits. The superior milking ability of Synthetic cows over Herefords was more pronounced for male than female calves. Additive and multiplicative adjustment factors were calculated from the least squares analyses. Additive adjustments for age of dam and multiplicative adjustments for sex of calf were found most suitable for preweaning traits. Three methods of application of adjustment factors were studied. Multiplicative sex of calf adjustment followed by additive age of dam adjustment was found to be most effective as indicated by the reductions in mean squares for main effects and interactions. Additive and multiplicative age of dam factors are presented for yearling weight in males and 18-mo weight in females. Use of additive factors is recommended. Extending weaning weight age of dam adjustments for postweaning traits was not found suitable in this study. Key words: Beef cattle, age and sex, adjustment factors

scholarly journals Factors affecting actual weaning weight, preweaning average daily gain and relative growth rate in Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed

2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Goyache ◽  
I. Fernández ◽  
L. J. Royo ◽  
I. Álvarez ◽  
J. P. Gutiérrez
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Relative Growth Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract. In this paper we analyse the major environmental and genetic factors affecting actual weaning weight (WW), preweaning average daily gain (ADG) and relative growth rate (RGR) in a representative sample of field data of Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed. Major environmental factors affect preweaning growth performance of Asturiana de los Valles calves in the direction usually found in the literature. However RGR seems to be self-corrected for sex of calf and calving number. Heritabilities for the direct and maternal genetic effects were 0.67 and 0.29, 0.51 and 0.31 and 0.18 and 0.12 respectively for WW, ADG and RGR. The estimates of genetic parameters affecting RGR are more realistic than those estimated for the WW and ADG. Selection for RGR would lead to obtain higher growth rates and lower birth weights. RGR could be an interesting selection criterion in beef cattle improvement programs.

scholarly journals Genetic variation in meat production related traits in reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus)

Rangifer ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsi Muuttoranta ◽  
Øystein Holand ◽  
Knut H. Røed ◽  
Miika Tapio ◽  
Mauri Nieminen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Age At Maturity ◽  
Cumulative Sum ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Individual Fitness

In reindeer husbandry, animal breeding could offer tools for improving productivity by selection. The traits affecting meat production efficiency are primarily related to calf growth and survival, and to dam’s longevity and lifetime ability to raise heavy calves. Information on genetic (co)variation in these traits is scarce but needed in estimating the potential and effectiveness of selection as well as biological constraints. The objectives of the study were to estimate these genetic parameters from the data of an experimental reindeer herd at Kutuharju (Inari, Finland). Heritabilities (h2) and genetic correlations (rg) among the average daily gain of calves (ADG), dams’ age at maturity, individual fitness (λind) and the cumulative sum of her calves’ weaning weight over seven years (WW7) were studied with AS-Reml software using the dataset from the experimental herd. The pedigree included also sire information to allow the separation of the maternal effects. Direct and maternal heritabilities of ADG were moderate (0.24±0.09 and 0.18±0.05, respectively) and the direct-maternal correlation was highly negative (-0.73±0.17). Indeed, selection on growth necessitates information on both calf and dam. The genetic correlation of growth with birth date and birth weight could not be detected with the data. The age at maturity and λind had a small heritable component (0.07±0.12 and 0.10±0.06, respectively), whereas the heritability value of WW7 was 0.23±0.07. Reindeer herders’ empirical selection on calf’s autumn weight favours fast growth (rg between growth and autumn weight = 0.35±0.24). Dam’s weight in her first autumn was strongly correlated with her lifetime production expressed by her individual fitness (rg = 0.71±0.23) and the cumulative sum of her calves’ weaning weight (rg = 0.63±0.12). Hence, the early information on the dam (her weight in her first autumn or her first calf’s autumn weight) works as useful selection criteria for the traits related to lifetime production.

GENETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHENOTYPIC CORRELATIONS BETWEEN GROWTH TRAITS OF HEREFORD AND ABERDEEN ANGUS CALVES

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. W. KENNEDY ◽  
C. R. HENDERSON
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Growth Trait ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Calf Growth ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Daily Gain

Canadian Record of Performance for Beef Cattle data were used to estimate genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlations between pairs of four calf growth traits: weaning weight, preweaning average daily gain (ADG), yearling weight and postweaning ADG. A total of 61,688 Hereford and 22,333 Aberdeen Angus records were studied. Average genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlation estimates, in that order, for the following growth trait combinations were:.997,.974 and.979 for weaning weight and preweaning ADG;.801,.709 and.726 for weaning weight and yearling weight;.784,.692 and.706 for preweaning ADG and yearling weight;.516, −.143 and.104 for weaning weight and postweaning ADG;.494, −.142 and.094 for preweaning ADG and postweaning ADG; and.875,.595 and.741 for yearling weight and postweaning ADG.

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