HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Koger, M. Articles by Crockett, J. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Koger, M. Articles by Crockett, J. R.

Heterosis Effects on Weaning Performance of Brahman-Shorthorn Calves¹

University of Florida Agricultural Research Stations, Gainesville 32611

Abstract

Five breed groups of dams varying in proportions of Brahman and Shorthorn breeding each were mated to Brahman and Shorthorn sires resulting in 10 breed groups of calves on each of three pasture programs. Individual traits included weaning age, condition score, 205-day weight, weaning weight and weaning rate. Annual production per cow for mating group by year sub-classes was computed from weaning rate and calf weight.

Effects for breed of dam and breed of calf were significant (P < .01) for all traits. Breed of sire was significant for condition score and preweaning growth. Breed classification of either calf or dam showed significant (P < .01) first- or second-order interactions with pasture program for all traits.

Mating group means for the six traits were partitioned into estimated additive breed (A) and F₁ heterosis (H) effects for offspring (o) and maternal (m) components. The value of A_o for the Brahman was negative for calf age and condition score, nil for weaning rate and positive for growth.

¹ Fla. Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Series No. 5544. Contribution from the Southern Regional Beef Cattle Breeding Project (S-10).

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. L. Ferrell, E. D. Berry, H. C. Freetly, and D. N. Miller Influence of genotype and diet on steer performance, manure odor, and carriage of pathogenic and other fecal bacteria. I. Animal performance J Anim Sci, September 1, 2006; 84(9): 2515 - 2522. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]