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Crossbreeding beef cattle in Western Uganda 3. Genetic analysis of body weight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. C. M. Trail ,
G. D. Sacker  and
I. L. Fisher
J. C. M. Trail
Affiliation:
Ministry of Animal Industry, Game and Fisheries, Uganda
G. D. Sacker
Affiliation:
Ministry of Animal Industry, Game and Fisheries, Uganda
I. L. Fisher
Affiliation:
Ministry of Animal Industry, Game and Fisheries, Uganda
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Summary

Genetic influences on body weights, taken at three-monthly intervals from birth to two years, were measured in the progeny of Angus, Boran and Red Poll bulls mated to Ankole, Boran and local Zebu cows. At two years old, progeny of Angus and Red Poll sires were 9% heavier than progeny of Boran sires. Progeny of Boran dams were 15% heavier than progeny of Zebu dams and 8% heavier than progeny of Ankole dams at two years. Differential performance by progeny of Ankole dams in different years suggested that genetic × environment interaction might be of some importance, and indicated the necessity of testing breed types over several years. Low and variable heritability estimates of weight-for-age up to two years old, and significant hybrid vigour effects on weight, indicated that in this environment, exploitation of hybrid vigour could be of great importance. Repeatability estimates for calf pre-weaning weights averaged 0·42.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 13 , Issue 1 , February 1971 , pp. 153 - 163
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1971

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References

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