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Genetic and environmental factors influencing calf performance in pedigree beef cattle in Britain. 2. The relationship between birth, 200-day and 400-day weights and the heritability of weight for age

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

W. Pabst ,
J. B. Kilkenny  and
H. J. Langholz
W. Pabst
Affiliation:
Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, and Meat and Livestock Commission
J. B. Kilkenny
Affiliation:
Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, and Meat and Livestock Commission
H. J. Langholz
Affiliation:
Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, and Meat and Livestock Commission
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Summary

Data collected in the Meat and Livestock Commission's pedigree recording scheme have been analysed by least square procedures to assess the relationship between, and heritability of, birth, 200-day and 400-day weights. In total 5524 birth weights, 16 484 200-day weights and 6248 400-day weights were available for 765 herds, in which were represented 2031 sires of seven breeds. Heritability estimates were calculated using the complete data and a set restricted to the larger herds and sire progeny groups. The influence of single effects on the heritability estimates was computed. Linear relationships were established between birth and 200-day weights in the Aberdeen-Angus and Charolais breeds but in the Hereford, Devon and Sussex breeds they were curvilinear. The data from the Hereford breed indicated an optimum range of birth weights. The partial regressions of 400-day on 200-day weights were positive; they were not linear for the Charolais, Devon and Sussex breeds. In these cases there was a more than proportionate increase in 400-day weights for an increase in 200-day weights. The heritability estimates varied widely and were dependent on the method and underlying model used. The most reliable estimates were as follows: birth weight 0·23, 200-day weight 0·38 and 400-day weight 0·27.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , February 1977 , pp. 41 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1977

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References

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