Reproductive performance of Angus, Hereford, Salers and Nellore crossbred females: Additive and non-additive effects.

Abstract

Reproductive traits in breeding herds can be improved through crossbreeding, which results in breed differences, heterosis and breed complementarity. The aim of this study was to estimate group additive genetic and dominance effects for three reproductive traits; probability of artificial insemination (AIP); calving success (CS); and days to calving (DC) for Hereford (H), Angus (A), Nellore (N) and Salers (S) breeds under grazing conditions. Data were obtained from an experiment carried out during 1992-2002 by the Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad de la Republica (UdelaR), Uruguay and Caja Notarial de Seguridad Social. The data set contained reproductive information of 1,164 females from 11 different genetic groups (GG) consisting of crosses between H, N, S and A. AIP, CS and DC were examined in first-calf heifers, while CS and DC were examined in second-calf and 3- to 7-year-old cows. Least square means for each GG and group additive genetic and dominance effects were estimated for each trait. F1 crossbreed females performed better for artificial insemination probability than purebred females. Crossbred A/H heifers had the highest AIPs and CS rates, while crossbred N/H 3- to 7-year-old cows recorded the highest averages for CS and DC. Estimates of group additive genetic effects did not differ amongst A, S, N and H; however, dominance increased the AIP and CS of the heifers.