J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1982. 55:1041-1047.
© 1982 American Society of Animal Science
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Onset of Puberty in Heifers of Diverse Beef Breeds and Crosses1

Jay S. Dow, Jr.2, J. D. Moore3, Curtiss M. Bailey4 and W. D. Foote5

University of Nevada, Reno 89557

4 Anim. Sci. Division. To whom reprint requests should be made.

Abstract

Puberty traits of straightbred and crossbred heifers (n = 301) were evaluated under pasture conditions. Breed groups represented were straightbred Hereford and Red Poll, reciprocal crosses of these two breeds, Angus x Hereford, Angus x Charolais-Cross, Brahamn x Hereford and Brahman x Angus. Breed group was an important (P>.01) source of variation in heifer weights and in age at puberty. Straightbred Red Poll and Red Poll cross heifers were youngest at puberty, Angus x Hereford and Angus x Charolais-Cross were intermediate, and straightbred Hereford and Brahman crosses were oldest at the onset of puberty. At the beginning of their first mating season at 19.5 mo of age, 96% of the straightbred Red Polls, 95% of Red Poll crosses, 81% of Angus x Herefords, 89% of Angus x Charolais-Crosses, 68% of straightbred Herefords, 48% of Brahman x Herefords and 74% of the Brahman x Angus had attained puberty. Results of a diallel analysis of Hereford-Red Pool matings indicated that maternal influence of the Red Poll breed was superior (P>.01) to Herefords for body weight up to 24 mo of age and incidence of puberty at 11.5 mo. Red Polls also exceeded Herefords in direct effects for puberty percentage at 11.5, 15 and 19.5 mo of age. Heterosis was significant for puberty percentage and weight. Breed group differences in pregnancy rate at 24 mo were not significant.

Footnotes

1 Contribution from the Agr. Exp. Sta., Univ. of Nevada, Reno. Journal Ser. No. 547.

2 Present address: Wendel, CA 96136.

3 Present address: 217 Orange, Ames, IA 50010.

5 The authors express appreciation to Don Albert and Art Cerfoglio, Main Station Field Laboratory, for technical support.






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Copyright © 1982 by the American Society of Animal Science.