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Relationship of sire expected progeny differences to milk yield in Brangus cows^1,2

M. A. Brown^*,3, S. W. Coleman and D. L. Lalman

^* ARS, USDA, Grazinglands Research Laboratory, El Reno, OK 73036; and ARS, USDA, Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, FL 34601; and and Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74074

³ Correspondence: 7207 W. Cheyenne (phone: 405-262-5291; fax: 405-262-0133; e-mail: mbrown{at}grl.ars.usda.gov).

Milk yield from 160 Brangus cows sired by 65 Brangus bulls was measured over a 3-yr period with a single-cow milking machine to estimate the relationship of actual milk yield of daughters and their calves’ BW with cow sire EPD for milk during the preweaning period. Milk yield was measured six times per year at an average 49, 78, 109, 138, 168, and 198 d postpartum. The regression of daughters’ milk yield on sire milk EPD was quadratic (P < 0.01), and the initial linear portion of the curve differed among months (P < 0.05) at an average cow BW. Similarly, the regression of 6-mo average 24-h milk yield on sire milk EPD was curvilinear (P < 0.05). When cow BW was fitted as a covariate in the regression of 6-mo average 24-h milk yield on sire milk EPD, there was an interaction of cow BW with linear sire milk EPD and quadratic sire milk EPD (P < 0.10). The associated response surface suggested that the regression was primarily linear in cows weighing 520 kg and curvilinear in cows weighing >520 kg. A trend existed for the regression of calf 205-d weight on grandsire milk EPD to be curvilinear (P < 0.21); however, the regression of calf 205-d weight on milk yield of their dam was linear (P < 0.01). Results from these data suggest that genetic potential for milk yield, and possibly the associated effects on calf BW transmitted through the grandsire, may have a practical maximum because of nutritional limitations that prevent the expression of genetic potential beyond that level, particularly in heavier cows, which suggests the need to match sire milk EPD and cow BW with production environment.

Key Words: Beef Cattle • Brangus • Milk Expected Progeny Difference • Milk Yield • Preweaning