Growth ability of Czech Fleckvieh bulls in modern cattle fattening stable

Abstract

ABSTRACT The work aimed to evaluate the growth ability of Czech Fleckvieh bulls in the conditions of modern stable based on their breeding lines. A total of 94 bulls were included in the experiment. The growth curve, weight at standardized ages, and weight gain were evaluated. The average weight of fattened bulls ranged from 109.43 kg at the age of 90 days to 705.65 kg at the end of the fattening period. Statistically significant model function was created by regression analysis and included the effects of bull sire, peers, age, and age squared. Furthermore, we used a linear model with the effects: birth month of the bull, the group of peers, the breeding line of bull sire, and random repeated effect of the animal. Significant differences were observed for the month of birth and between groups of peers. The effect of the breeding line was significant for regression analysis, however in evaluation based on linear model it was significant only for the weight at the beginning of fattening. The results suggest that in the standardized conditions of a modern stable with good housing and nutrition, the genetic predisposition for the growth ability of dual-purpose Fleckvieh cattle was attenuated.