J. Anim Sci.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J. Anim Sci. 1978. 46:1552-1562.
© 1978 American Society of Animal Science
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Olson, L. W.
Right arrow Articles by Gregory, K. E.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Olson, L. W.
Right arrow Articles by Gregory, K. E.

Maternal Heterosis Effects on Postweaning Growth and Carcass Traits in Cattle1

Lary W. Olson2, Larry V. Cundiff3 and Keith E. Gregory3

U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Nebraska, Clay Center 68933

Abstract

Effects of maternal heterosis were evaluated for postweaning growth and carcass traits of 497 crossbred steers and 356 crossbred heifers produced from 1963 through 1968 in phase 2 of a comprehensive heterosis experiment. Maternal heterosis was estimated by a comparison of two-breed cross progeny from straightbred Hereford, Angus and Shorthorn cows to three-breed cross progeny from F1 crossbred cows. Postweaning weights and average daily gains for the three 84-day periods and for the entire 252-day feeding test were evaluated. Carcass traits were evaluated at both age- and weight-constant endpoints.

Steers and heifers from crossbred dams were 10.4 kg (5.3%, P<1) and 7.9 kg (4.2%, P<.001) heavier than progeny from straightbred dams at 200 days of age but were only 5.9 kg (1.4%) and 4.9 kg (1.2%) heavier at 452 days of age, because of compensatory effects of maternal heterosis on postweaning average daily gain (–.02 and –.01 kg). Maternal heterosis effects were unfavorable and largest on first-period growth rate of heifers but on last-period growth rate of steers. The unfavorable maternal heterosis for growth rate was associated with slightly fatter carcass composition of progeny from crossbred dams, apparently from greater milk production of crossbred cows. Maternal heterosis effects on carcass traits of steers and heifers at either a constant age or constant.

Footnotes

1 Published as Paper No. 5378, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln. Contribution from North Central Regional Project NC-1, Improvement of Beef Cattle through Breeding Methods.

2 Present address: Department of Meat and Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.

3 U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, North Central Region, Agricultural Research Service, USD A, Clay Center, NE 68933.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1978 by the American Society of Animal Science.