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Estimation of Genetic Parameters among Reproductive and Growth Traits in Yearling Heifers¹

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523

Abstract

Growth and reproductive data were obtained on 779 beef heifers at the San Juan Basin Research Center, Hesperus, Co. Genetic parameters were estimated for age of puberty (AOP), age of first calving (AOC), Julian day of first calving (DOC), Julian day of second calving (DOSC), birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and average daily gain from weaning to yearling and to cycling weights. The least squares model included birth year, age of dam and breed as fixed effects, sire/breed as a random variable, and day of birth and percent inbreeding as covariates. Day of birth was not included in the analyses of AOC, DOC or DOSC. Paternal half-sib estimates of heritability were: AOP, .10 ± .17; AOC, .01 ± .12; DOC, .09 ± .13 and DOSC, .36 ± .18. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were generally favorable, but genetic correlations were variable with large standard errors. Inbreeding had a detrimental effect on reproductive traits, and a seasonal effect was present for AOP.

¹ Agric. Exp. Sta. res. publ. project no. 28.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ USDA-ARS, Fort Collins