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Growth Characteristics in Crosses of Angus, Santa Gertrudis and Gelbvieh Beef Cattle¹

The University of Georgia, Athens 30602

Abstract

A total of 343 calves (males and females) were evaluated for preweaning average daily gain, weaning weight (WW), feedlot average daily gain to slaughter (ADGF), slaughter weight (SW), pelvic height (PH), pelvic width, pelvic area, weaning conformation score (WS) and ratio of weaning weight to the dam’s weight at weaning (R). Mating types included straightbred Angus (A) and Santa Gertrudis (S), the reciprocal crosses of these two breeds and Gelbvieh (G) x Angus. Straightbred S and A x S crosses had the heaviest WW, followed by S x A and G x A crosses; straightbred A had significantly smaller WW than all other mating types. The crossbreds and the straightbred S had higher WS than straightbred A. The ratio of WW to cow weight was largest for S x A. The straightbred S and A x S crosses had significantly lower R values than the other mating types. Weaning weight per cow exposed, computed as the product of weaning rate and weight, indicated that straightbred A had an advantage over the other mating types (156.5 kg), whereas S and S x A were intermediate (147.9 and 147.6 kg, respectively) and A x S was lowest (128.9 kg). Feedlotgain was highest for A x S, though not significantly greater than for straightbred S or G x A. Straightbred A gained significantly less than other mating types except S x A. Straightbred A were found to be significantly smaller at slaughter than the other mating types. The S x A and G x A were intermediate; the straightbred S and A x S were significantly larger for SW. When reproductive efficiency was combined with postnatal performance, straightbred A had a distinct advantage for WW and SW per cow exposed. Pelvic measurements tended to be largest for S, intermediate for the crossbred types and smallest for A. Significant heterosis was found for all characteristics except PH.

¹ This study was partially funded by the Georgia Agric. Exp. Sta. and was part of Hatch Project H608.

² Present address: Dept. of Agric., Stephen F. Austin State Univ., Nacogdoches, TX 75962.

³ Anim. and Dairy Sci. Dept.