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Relationship of Weight and Height to Beef Cow Productivity¹

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523

Abstract

Cow body measurements may be indicative of maternal ability, which is important in determining calf weaning weight. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between cow body measurements and cow productivity. Weight and height measurements were taken on 361 Hereford cows, ages 2 through 10+, three times yearly from 1971 through 1973 at the San Juan Basin Research Center, Hesperus, Colorado. From these data, 13 dependent variables were studied: spring, summer, and fall weights, heights, and weight to height ratios; weight change from spring to fall; change in weight to height ratio from spring to fall; most probable producing ability (MPPA), and adjusted weaning weight of calf. Significant variation existed both among line of sire groups and among sires within line for height and weight. Lactating cows weighed less, were less tall and had lower weight to height ratios than nonlactating cows. Cows increased in height and weight through 6 years of age. Increased inbreeding had a depressing effect on weight, height, and weight to height ratio. Phenotypic correlations of MPPA with the measurements and measurement ratios were as follows: spring weight, .15; summer weight, .15; fall weight, .05; spring height, .18; summer height, .22; fall height, .18; spring weight to height ratio, .03; summer weight to height ratio, –.02; fall weight to height ratio, .00; weight change, –.20, and weight to height ratio change, –.27. Height and changes in condition showed somewhat higher correlations with MPPA than did weight and condition. Ratio change had the highest correlation with MPPA. However, all traits studied had fairly low relationships with MPPA and are of limited predictive value.

¹ Approved for publication as scientific Paper No. 2460 of the Colorado Exp. Sta.

² Present address: Roman L. Hruska US Meat Animal Research Center, SEA:AR. Clay Center, NE 68933.