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 Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ellersieck, M. R. Articles by Langford, L. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Ellersieck, M. R. Articles by Langford, L. H.

Heterosis in Feed Efficiency of Beef Steers¹

University of Missouri², Columbia 65201

Abstract

A study involving 450 steers of the Angus Charolais and Hereford breeds and all reciprocal crosses among them was conducted to determine the effects of hetorosis on feed efficiency (feed/gain). The steers were fed in replicated purebred and crossbred groups over a period of 6 years. Two different management 1 included steers that were placed on pasture after weaning for approximately 170 days and then moved to the feedlot for five 28-day full-fed periods. Management 2 included steers that were placed in the feedlot immediately after weaning for seven 28-days periods.

Analysis of unadjusted data proved to be inconsistent because of weight differences of breed groups entering the feedlot. for this reason the data were adjusted to a weight constant basis.

Lack of signifacant interactions between the breed of sire and breed of dam in both management systems indicated that heterosis was not important. This was verified by specific and pooled comparison of crossbreds and straightbreds. All these comparison, however, showed positive heterosis when feed efficiency was adjusted to a weight-constant basis.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 7635. Approved by the Director.

² Department of Animal Husbandry.