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A note on growth rates and maturation rates in beef bulls

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

A. J. F. Webster ,
A. A. M. Ahmed  and
J. P. Frappell
A. J. F. Webster
Affiliation:
University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Longford House, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU
A. A. M. Ahmed
Affiliation:
University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Longford House, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU
J. P. Frappell
Affiliation:
Milk Marketing Board, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0EL
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Abstract

Values for weight and age of beef bulls at stud have been used to describe growth beyond the point of inflexion of the growth curve. Using the concept of ‘metabolic age’ it was shown that the maturation rate in Aberdeen Angus and Friesian bulls was close to a reported interspecies mean value. Hereford and Charolais bulls both matured relatively rapidly. Variation between individuals within a breed was consistent with the hypothesis that it is possible to select for rapid growth rate without necessarily selecting for an increase in mature size.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 35 , Issue 2 , October 1982 , pp. 281 - 284
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1982

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References

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