Abstract
Abstract. The aim of the study was to do genetic evaluation of the 205-day weaning weight of pure bred herds of different beef cattle breeds kept in Hungary and supply results for genetic programmes of different breeds. Population genetic analysis was performed on data from 42695 purebred beef calves from seven breeds born from 1981 to 2005 in Hungary. Animal model was used for the estimations. Sire, herd, age of dam at calving, birth year, season of birth and sex of calf had significant effects on 205-day calf weaning weight for each breed. Significant breed differences and breed overlaps were found. Direct heritability value estimates were 0.18 to 0.61, the maternal heritability values from 0.07 to 0.38, and the total heritability values were between 0.09 and 0.35. The direct-maternal genetic correlations were high and negative for all the breeds varying from −0.63 to −0.88.
Highlights
Weaning weight in beef cattle is a trait of major economic importance because the weaned calf is the end product and almost total output of the cow-calf unit
The aim of the study was to do genetic evaluation of the 205-day weaning weight of pure bred herds of different beef cattle breeds kept in Hungary and supply results for genetic programmes of different breeds
The breed mean 205-day weaning weight varies between 191-242 kg, while that of the standard deviation between 30-41 kg
Summary
Weaning weight in beef cattle is a trait of major economic importance because the weaned calf is the end product and almost total output of the cow-calf unit. Weaning weight adjusted to 205 day of age is very important selection criteria in the breeding programs even so, measuring and evaluating of this trait is essential part of performance test and breeding value estimation. In Hungary only a few beef calves are fattened and slaughtered, most of them are sold abroad, so the country is mostly interested in weaning weight. From this situation one of the aims of different breed associations is to improve the weaning weight of their breed whether it is Hereford or Charolais. For breed decision the weaning weight or 205-day weaning weight of the calves of different cows kept in various environments is very important information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
