Angus Breeding Research Articles

Evaluation of Aberdeen Angus Breeding Bulls in the Northern Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In this study, we evaluated the progeny quality of proven bulls of the Aberdeen Angus breed in different selections. Reliable information about the productive qualities of the daughters and cows of proven bulls is limited in Kazakhstan's scientific literature. We aimed to identify bull-improvers by comparatively evaluating cows of different genotypes in terms of productive qualities. The study was conducted in the period of 2021-2023, during which four groups of cows were formed based on origin. In conclusion, the high influence of inheritance of breeding features from bull-improvers should be highlighted: 78.6% to the daughters of cows of group I (Estonian selection from Kolos-firma LLP: EE 14465116 ABAJA PORTOS 95283, DK 1989501341 FREDERIK 95220, and EE 16966079 ABAJA PATRICK 95305) and 74.5% to the daughters of cows of group III (Canadian selection from Vishnevskoe LLP: BH BRUIN 54X 1644270 and JL DISTRICT 0311 1594050). There was less influence from proven bulls of deteriorators of the Kazakh selection: 21.4% to the daughters of cows of group II from Kolos-firma LLP (KZP156547191) and 25.5% to the daughters of cows of group IV from Vishnevskoe LLP (Henri KZT157789649 and Argus KZT155778964). Therefore, it is recommended that valuable genotypes of imported selection are used in breeding work in the Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions for the improvement of Aberdeen Angus cattle.

Methods of artificial regulation of estrous cycle of Aberdeen Angus breeding stock

The research aim is to study the efficiency of using the OvSynch and Co-Synch schemes with subsequent resynchronization on beef cows and heifers of the Aberdeen Angus breed. The hormonal state of animals and the biochemical blood serum parameters were chosen as factors determining reproductive function. The purpose is to study the efficiency of applying the OvSynch and Co-Synch synchronization protocols on cows and heifers of the Aberdeen Angus breed depending on the hormonal state of the inseminated animals and the biochemical blood serum parameters. The rate of fertilization in cows inseminated according to the OvSynch protocol was determined to be 5.0 to 8.5 % higher during the first stage of insemination and 5.5 % higher during the second stage of insemination. In the group of heifers, the best fertilization results were obtained while using the Co-Synch protocol (59.3 %). Giving cows a second injection of GnRH, on day 9 of the OvSynch protocol, 16 hours before insemination, provided an average rate of fertilization of 52.3 %, which is 3.4 % higher compared to the 14-hour interval between GnRH injection and insemination. The concentration of steroid and gonadotropic hormones, including cortisol, estradiol, FSH and LH, in experimental animals during insemination corresponded to the estrus phase. The results of biochemical blood tests indicate a number of metabolic inconsistencies in the animal body. Changes in the biochemical blood serum parameters in animals that did not become pregnant followed the same patterns as in those that became pregnant. However, the level of increase or decrease in parameters was less pronounced. The results obtained can be used in arranging artificial insemination in breeding and commercial agricultural organizations engaged in beef cattle breeding, as well as in teaching process of zootechnical and veterinary disciplines in agricultural higher educational institutions of the Republic of Belarus.

Growth, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Charolais-sired steers and heifers born to Angus-cross-dairy and Angus breeding cows

Charolais-sired heifers and steers from Angus, Angus × Holstein-Friesian, Angus × Holstein-Friesian-Jersey and Angus × Jersey cows were measured for growth, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. Despite differences in weaning weight and growth rate, the progeny of different breed-crosses did not differ in final live weight or carcass weight (P > 0.05). Carcass and meat quality characteristics did not differ among breed-crosses (P > 0.05), except for fat that was more yellow in progeny from Angus and Angus-cross-Jersey dams. Steers were slaughtered older and had heavier carcasses with greater fat depth and intramuscular fat than heifers. Meat quality differed between the sex classes, with steers having greater pH and shear force, redder meat, and yellower fat than heifers. Angus-cross-dairy cows when crossed with a beef breed sire such as the Charolais will provide progeny for meat production which are competitive to beef breeds for beef finishing and meat production and therefore, a useful mechanism to utilize surplus animals from the dairy industry.

Influence of corn supplementation to beef cows during mid- to late-gestation: Supplementation decreases placental microvascular surface density but does not alter uterine blood flow or neonatal performance1

Gestating cows fed low-quality forage diets are often at risk of nutrient restriction, including energy, protein, or both. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing corn to gestating beef cows fed low-quality forage by tracking uterine and mammary hemodynamics and neonatal performance. We hypothesized that mid- to late-gestating beef cows receiving corn supplementation would have enhanced uterine and mammary hemodynamics and increased placental microvascularity. At d 100 of gestation, multiparous cows, predominantly of Angus breeding, and carrying male calves were assigned randomly to the following treatments: supplementation (SUP; n = 24) at the level of 0.2% (dry matter basis) of body weight (BW) or basal diet without supplement (CON; n = 23). All cows were fed the same basal diet (60% hay, 30% wheat straw, and 10% concentrated separator by-product). Intake was monitored individually with Insentec feeders from d 100 of gestation through calving. Every 28 days from the beginning of supplementation at d 100 until d 240 of pregnancy, uterine and mammary hemodynamics were monitored using Doppler ultrasonography, and jugular blood samples were obtained to determine hormone concentrations. At birth (CON: 277.6 ± 3.1 days; SUP: 275.5 ± 2.8 days; mean ± stdev), cow and calf BW, colostrum samples, and placental tissues were collected. Representative cotyledons were excised from fetal membranes and histological image analysis of placental vascularity with hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted. All measurements and data collected were analyzed with the MIXED procedure and means were separated using the LSMEANS statement in SAS. Hemodynamics, placental weight, and colostrum variables were not altered by supplementation (P ≥ 0.13). Placental microvascular surface density was suppressed (P < 0.01) by maternal corn supplementation. The differences in nutrient intake were not great enough to elicit differences in uterine or mammary hemodynamics, even though placental vascular surface density was decreased by corn supplementation in multiparous beef cows. Moreover, the few alterations in the maternal endocrine profiles due to corn supplementation did not translate into negative endocrine or early developmental changes in the offspring. Corn may be a good substitute for hay when costs and availability are economically advantageous to the producer.

16 Genetic Parameter Estimates for Age at First Calving in Simmental and Red Angus Heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine genetic parameter estimates for age at first calving (AFC) in Red Angus and Simmental heifers. The ability for a heifer to calve earlier has implications on calf performance and the heifer's successive re-breeding. Heifer pregnancy data were obtained from International Genetic Solutions, where females with exposure records were included in the population. Females with a subsequent record of calving between 630 and 810 days of age were included in the analysis. Females with embryo transfer or multiple birth progeny were excluded. Records from single-animal and contemporary groups with no variation were eliminated and after data filtering, there were 149,379 Simmental with a mean Simmental breed proportion of 0.58 ± 0.25, and 83,191 Red Angus records with a mean Red Angus breed proportion of 0.80 ± 0.13. A 3-generation pedigree file containing 291,530 Simmental animals with 25,585 unique sires and 161,921 unique dams, and a 3-generation pedigree file containing 174,914 Red Angus animals with 19,733 unique sires and 99,464 unique dams were used for the separate analysis. The mean AFC in Simmental and Red Angus was 724.8 ± 28.64 d, and 724.2 ± 29.93 d, respectively. Data for each breed were modeled separately using a single trait animal model with random additive genetic and residual effects, and the fixed effect of contemporary group using ASReml 3.0. Contemporary group was defined as breeder, herd, year born, birth group and yearling group. The additive, residual, and phenotypic variances for Simmental were 120.08, 520.37, and 640.45 d2, respectively. For Red Angus, 85.67, 543.56, and 629.24 d2 were the additive, residual, and phenotypic variances, respectively. The heritability estimates of AFC for Simmental and Red Angus were 0.19 ± 0.0059 and 0.14 ± 0.0076, respectively. These results demonstrate AFC in days is lowly to moderately heritable. Lower residual and higher additive variance in Simmental compared to Red Angus may suggest the Simmental population has larger variation for underlying fertility influences such as age at puberty. The mean breeding values for AFC in Simmental was 6.1 ± 8.0, with a minimum of -24.4 and maximum of 54.7. Whereas Red Angus breeding values for AFC resulted in a mean of 4.0 ± 5.6 and a minimum and maximum of -16.1, and 37.3, respectively. The comparable heritability estimates, low standard error, and range in breeding values suggest selection for improved AFC can be attained. It is worth further exploring the impact of breed effects and heterosis influences on age at first calving. While this study does not account for heifers that did not calve in their first year, tandem selection for heifer fertility and age at calving should be heavily emphasized due to the economic importance of both traits.

Influence of corn supplementation to beef cows during mid- to late-gestation: maternal feed intake, body condition, plasma metabolites, and calf growth

To determine the effect of supplementing dry-rolled corn during mid- to late-gestation in cows fed low-quality forage on feed intake, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS), plasma metabolites, and neonatal growth, 47 multiparous cows (661 ± 7.8 kg BW, 5.2 ± 0.1 BCS, 7.5 ± 0.2 yr of age) predominately of Angus breeding and carrying male calves were assigned randomly to supplement treatments: 0% (unsupplemented; n = 24) or 0.2% of BW of dry-rolled corn (supplemented; DM basis; n = 23) from d 110 to 265 of gestation. All cows were fed the same basal forage consisting of grass hay, wheat straw, and sugar beet concentrated separator byproduct. Feed intake was monitored individually from d 110 of gestation until d 21 post-calving. Cows on the supplemented treatment were individually allowed access to 1 Insentec feeder containing corn per pen. Body weight and BCS were determined every 28 d until d 240 of pregnancy, at parturition, and at 3 wk postpartum. Jugular blood samples also were collected every 28 d during the gestation period. Calves were weighed at birth, 3 wk postpartum, and at weaning (d 168). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Corn supplementation increased (P ≤ 0.008) BW and BCS change during gestation and tended (P = 0.07) to decrease gestation length. Corn supplementation decreased (P = 0.002) dry matter intake (DMI) of the basal forage but did not influence (P = 0.84) total DMI (forage + corn) during gestation. Plasma glucose was not influenced (P = 0.12) by supplemental treatment and plasma urea N and non-esterified fatty acids were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in unsupplemented than supplemented cows. Body weight and BCS change, and DMI in cows from birth until 21 d of lactation were not influenced (P ≥ 0.27) by supplementation treatment. Corn supplementation during gestation did not affect (P = 0.76) calf birth weight. At 3 wk postpartum calves from supplemented cows were heavier (P = 0.04) but corn supplementation did not influence BW (P = 0.76) at weaning. Overall, supplementation of dry-rolled corn at 0.2% of BW during mid- to late-gestation likely did not elicit large enough differences in energy status to have lasting effects on calf BW. However, corn supplementation at low levels during gestation may be useful as a substitute for forage to improve energy status of the cow while decreasing the need for forage.

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers.

One-hundred thirty-two finishing steers (300 ± 2.7 kg body weight [BW]) predominately of Angus, Simmental, and Shorthorn breeding were used to study the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Steers were stratified by initial BW across five pens and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments to supply an average of 626, 906, 1,209, and 1,444 g MP/d (n = 33 per treatment). Feed intake and feeding behavior were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. For feeding behavior, a visit was defined as each time the Insentec system detected a steer at the feed bunk. A meal was defined as eating periods by intervals no longer than 7 min. Steers were fed until they reached an average BW of 598 ± 3.1 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P < 0.01) with ADG increasing in steers fed 906 g MP/d and plateauing thereafter. Dry-matter intake (DMI; kg) responded quadratically (P = 0.009) with DMI increasing with MP intake up to 1,209 g/d MP and decreasing thereafter. Gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P = 0.04) and tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically, as G:F increased up to 906 g MP/d and plateaued thereafter. A quadratic response (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) was observed for marbling score and 12th rib subcutaneous fat thickness with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest marbling score and back fat thickness. A quadratic effect for visits and meals per day was observed (P < 0.01) with steers fed the 1,209 g MP/d treatment having the least visits and meals per day. In addition, time eating per visit responded quadratically (P = 0.05) with time increasing from 626 to 906 g MP/d. There was a linear increase (P ≤ 0.02) in time eating per meal and per day with increasing MP intake. A quadratic effect (P < 0.03) was observed for DMI per visit, meal, and minute with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest DMI. In summary, steers fed 626 g MP/d had increased visits and meals per day. However, DMI per visit, meal, and minute were greater in steers fed 1,209 g MP/d. A day × treatment interaction (P < 0.001) was observed for plasma urea N as concentrations increased to a greater extent over time in the higher MP treatments than in the lower MP treatments. These data indicate that MP supply (from deficient to excess) influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of finishing steers.

Effects of ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation on feeding behavior, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing steers.

Ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) is a β-adrenergic agonist that functions as a repartitioning agent to improve muscling in feedlot cattle. Many studies have investigated the effects of RAC on growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, there is minimal information about the influence of RAC on feeding behavior. Sixty-nine steers (body weight [BW] = 364 ± 3.9 kg) predominately of Angus and Simmental breeding were subjected to a 126-d (n = 46) or 154-d (n = 23) feeding period and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: supplementation to provide 0 (CON; n = 34) or 267 ± 4.9 mg/d of RAC (n = 35). Ractopamine was provided as Optaflexx 45 at 0.024% of the diet (dry matter [DM] basis; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). Dietary treatments were fed the final 42 d in the feed yard (treatment period). Feeding behavior and growth performance were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. Following the final day of treatment, steers were slaughtered and carcass measurements were recorded. Data were analyzed using MIXED models in SAS. There were no differences in BW, average daily gain (ADG), DM intake (DMI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), or feeding behavior during the pretreatment period (P > 0.44). Ractopamine supplementation increased G:F during the treatment period (P = 0.02) and during the total period (P = 0.03) and tended to increase ADG during the treatment and total period (P ≤ 0.08). DMI was not affected during the treatment or total period (P > 0.67). Eating time per visit, per meal, and per day were decreased (P < 0.02) in steers supplemented with RAC during the treatment period. DMI per minute was increased (P = 0.02) in steers supplemented with RAC. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and 12th rib fat were not influenced by RAC supplementation. Ractopamine supplementation decreased marbling (P = 0.008) and kidney, pelvic, and heart percentage (P = 0.04) and increased longissimus muscle area (P = 0.01). These data demonstrate that RAC supplementation for 42 d improves feed efficiency, increases the rate of DMI without altering DMI, and increases muscling in finishing cattle.

Incidence and characteristics of juvenile tarsocrural osteochondrosis in purebred Angus bulls

Osteochondrosis (OC) of the bovine tarsus has been suggested to contribute to osteoarthritis. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to provide data specific to the Angus breed. Clinical and radiographic exams evaluating OC lesions, effusion and osteoarthritis were performed in 50 purebred bull calves at three time points between 5.8 and 21 months of age. The likelihood of OC was lower at a median age of 12.4 months (P<0.001), primarily due to resolution of distal talus changes (P<0.01). Significant associations were observed between medial malleolus lesions and effusion at median age of 7.4 months (P<0.001). This study suggests that clinical and radiographic screening performed at approximately one year of age may be beneficial in detecting tarsal OC lesions in Angus breeding herds.

Feed efficiency of tropically adapted cattle when fed in winter or spring in a temperate location.

Earlier work has shown that young tropically adapted cattle do not gain weight as rapidly as temperately adapted cattle during the winter in Oklahoma. The objective for this study was to determine whether efficiency of gains was also affected in tropically adapted cattle and whether efficiency was consistent over different seasons. Over 3 yr, 240 straightbred and crossbred steers (F1 and 3-way crosses) of Angus, Brahman, or Romosinuano breeding, born in Brooksville, FL, were transported to El Reno, OK in October and fed in 2 phases to determine performance, individual intake, and efficiency. Phase 1 (WIN) began in November after a 28-d recovery from shipping stress and phase 2 (SS) began in March, 28 d following completion of WIN each year. The diet for WIN was a grower diet (14% CP, 1.10 Mcal NEg/kg) and that for the SS was a feedlot diet (12.8% CP; 1.33 Mcal NEg/kg). After a 14-d adjustment to diet and facilities, intake trials were conducted over a period of 56 to 162 d for determination of intake and gain for efficiency. Body weights were recorded at approximately 14-d intervals, and initial BW, median BW, and ADG were determined from individual animal regressions of BW on days on feed. Individual daily DMI was then regressed by phase on median BW and ADG, and residuals of regression were recorded as residual feed intake (RFI). Similarly, daily gain was regressed by phase on median BW and DMI, and errors of regression were recorded as residual gain (RADG). Gain to feed (G:F) was also calculated. The statistical model to evaluate ADG, DMI, and efficiency included fixed effects of dam age (3 to 4, 5, 6 to 10, and >10 yr), harvest group (3 per year), age on test, and a nested term DT (ST × XB), where DT is the proportion tropical breeding of dam (0, 0.5, or 1), ST is the proportion tropical breeding of sire (1 or 0), and XB whether the calf was straightbred or crossbred. Year of record, sire (ST × XB), and pen were random effects. Preweaning ADG and BW increased (P < 0.05) with level of genetic tropical influence, but during the WIN, ADG and efficiency estimated by G:F and RADG declined (P < 0.05). Tropical influence had little effect on RFI during the WIN, or on most traits during SS. In general, during SS, crossbred steers gained faster and were more efficient by G:F and RADG (P < 0.05) than straightbred steers. Simple correlations, both Pearson and Spearman, between RFI in WIN and RFI in SS were 0.51 (P < 0.001), whereas that for RADG was 0.17 (P < 0.01).

Prevalence and characteristics of radiographically confirmed juvenile tarsal osteochondrosis in purebred Angus bulls

Hindlimb lameness in breeding bulls is a source of significant financial loss, with a proportion of bulls having osteochondrosis (OC). The objective of this study is to determine the characteristics, change over time, and sire association of radiographically identified tarsal OC lesions in a purebred Angus breeding herd.

Optimising the proportion of selection candidates measured for feed intake for a beef cattle breeding objective that includes methane emissions.

Reducing daily methane production (DMP) via selection for lower estimated daily (pasture) feed intake (DFI) has the potential to be more cost effective than direct selection for DMP. Daily feed intake has a high heritability and high genetic correlation to DMP and has a potential lower cost of measurement. This study's main aim was to determine for a breeding nucleus the optimal proportion of randomly selected young male and female cattle in which to estimate DFI. This optimum proportion was determined by modeling the measurement costs and response to selection of Angus cattle on a (standard industry) Angus breeding index (ABI) augmented with DFI and DMP in a combined breeding objective (BO), but without DMP being measured. For the assumed herd structure and considering a 20 yr planning horizon, the highest net present value (NPV) occurred when 64% of males and no females were measured for DFI. The highest breakeven DFI test cost (A$41.51/head) and highest returns on investment (ROI) occurred when 36% of males and no females had DFI estimates. Higher ROI were achieved when all males had DFI estimates before any females had DFI estimates. There was a diminishing increase in rate of genetic gain when moving from 36% to 64% of males with DFI estimates, thus ROI decreased from 29.7% to 23.1%. When 36% of males had DFI estimates (and no females), herd DMP genetic gain was slightly positive as the DMP reduction per generation from male selection (-0.086) was more than offset by the DMP increase per generation from female selection (+0.110). The selection response for DMP only became negative when at least 40% of males had DFI estimates. Having 64% of males with DFI estimates resulted in a predicted genetic decrease in DMP (-0.018 kgCOe/head per yr), compared to an increase of 0.052 kgCOe/head per yr when no animals had DFI estimates. The optimum proportion of males with DFI estimates (36 to 64%) depends on the breeders attitude toward ROI and the value of genetic change for DMP. Sensitivity analysis showed that the economic value (EV), heritability and genetic variance of DFI had a higher impact on the NPV and ROI outcomes than parameters related to ABI and DMP, so future work should focus on obtaining robust estimates for DFI parameters. Higher EV for feed intake and DMP would result in higher percentages of animals being profitably measured for DFI, leading to larger reductions in DMP.

Influence of cow breed type, age and previous lactation status on cow height, calf growth, and patterns of body weight, condition, and blood metabolites for cows grazing bahiagrass pastures1,2,3,4

This study was initiated to evaluate performance and patterns of cow traits and blood metabolites of 3 breeds of cows grazing bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) pastures in central Florida. Purebred cows (n = 411) of either Angus (Bos taurus), Brahman (Bos indicus), or Romosinuano (Bos taurus) breeding, rotationally grazed (moved twice weekly) bahiagrass pastures year-round, and received bahiagrass hay supplemented with molasses and soyhulls or legume hay supplemented with unfortified molasses from October to June each production year. At monthly intervals, all cows were weighed, measured at the hip (HH), scored for BCS, and blood samples collected by jugular puncture from 10 cows per cow breed/block group for plasma urea N (PUN), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Data were analyzed on cows that calved with a statistical model that included fixed effects of year, cowage, cow breed, month, block, supplement group (n = 2, but not presented), and whether the cow weaned a calf the previous year. Cow was a repeated observation over mo. Three-way interactions involving monthly patterns for cowage x year, year x lactation status the previous year, cowage × cow breed, year × cow breed, and cow breed × lactation status the previous year were significant (P < 0.001) for BW and BCS. The interaction for cowage × month was also significant (P < 0.05) for glucose, and cow breed × month was important (P < 0.01) for PUN, glucose, and NEFA. Important differences included: 1) greater BW and BCS for older cows compared to 3-yr old cows; 2) greater BW and BCS before calving for cows that did not lactate the previous year; 3) PUN levels were above 11 mg/dl except for February, August and September, and was generally greater in tropically adapted breeds; 4) GLU was greatest in Brahman, lowest in Angus, and intermediate in Romosinuano cows; and 5) plasma levels of NEFA escalated at calving and then declined, but Brahman cows maintained greater (P < 0.05) levels from calving until weaning than the other breeds. Cows that lactated the previous year had less NEFA than those that did not lactate. Brahman cows were less fertile than Bos taurus breeds, and weaned heavier calves.

ASSESSMENT OF BULLS ON THEIR OWN PERFORMANCE AS A PART OF IMPROVING DOMESTIC POPULATION ABERDEEN-ANGUS BREED OF CATTLE

ASSESSMENT OF BULLS ON THEIR OWN PERFORMANCE AS A PART OF IMPROVING DOMESTIC POPULATION ABERDEEN-ANGUS BREED OF CATTLE

Cloprostenol sodium and dinoprost tromethamine result in similar artificial insemination pregnancy rates in Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and Bos indicus × Bos taurus cattle synchronized with a Select Synch and CIDR plus timed–artificial insemination protocol

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Two experiments were conducted to evaluate breed [Angus (AN), Brahman (BR), and varying percentages of BR × AN breeding] and prostaglandin F_2α (PGF) type [dinoprost tromethamine (dinoprost) vs. cloprostenol sodium (cloprostenol)] in suckled cows (Exp. 1; n=504) and 2-yr-old virgin heifers (Exp. 2; n=309) synchronized with a Select Synch + controlled intravaginal drug-releasing insert and timed-AI protocol (SSCT). On d −7, cows and heifers received gonadotropin-releasing hormone and controlled intravaginal drug-releasing inserts. At controlled intravaginal drug-releasing insert removal (d 0), cows were stratified by BCS, days postpartum, parity, and breed; heifers were stratified by BCS and breed. In both experiments cattle were randomly allotted to receive either dinoprost (25 mg) or cloprostenol (500 μg). Estrus was detected 3 times per day for 72 h after PGF, and AI was conducted by the am/pm rule. At 72 h after PGF, nonresponders were timed artificially inseminated and received gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The AI pregnancy rates were similar (<i>P</i> > 0.05) between PGF treatments in Exp. 1 (51%) and Exp. 2 (46%). In Exp. 1, AN (52%), 1/4 to 3/8 BR (42%), and 1/2 BR (59%) cows had similar AI pregnancy rates, whereas 1/2 BR (59%) had a greater (<i>P</i> < 0.05) AI pregnancy rates compared with cows with ≥3/4 BR (41%). In Exp. 2, heifer breed had no effect on AI pregnancy rates. In conclusion, dinoprost and cloprostenol in a SSCT protocol yielded similar AI pregnancy rates in cows and 2-yr-old virgin heifers across all breed types; however, AI pregnancy rates were influenced by breed type in cows but not 2-yr-old virgin heifers.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of Hereford sired steers born to beef-cross-dairy and Angus breeding cows

Steers from Angus, Angus×Holstein Friesian, Angus×Holstein Friesian-Jersey and Angus×Jersey cows and a Hereford sire were measured for their carcass and meat quality characteristics. Steers from the Angus×Holstein Friesian cows had a greater final body weight and carcass weight (P<0.05). Steers from Angus×Jersey cows had the lowest carcass weight and dressing-out percentage (P<0.05). There was a greater fat depth over the rump at 12 and 18months of age for the steers from Angus cows (P<0.05) but, not at 24months of age. The steers had similar meat quality characteristics across the breed groups. Steers from Angus×Holstein Friesian and Angus×Jersey cows had a higher ratio of n6 to n3 fatty acids. Using beef-cross-dairy cows to produce steers for meat production does not impact on meat quality. Using Jersey in the breed cross reduced the carcass tissues in the live weight and the potential meat yield.

Selection for increased muscling is not detrimental to maternal productivity traits in Angus cows

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of selection for increased muscling on maternal productivity of a temperate beef cow herd. Cows of predominantly Angus breeding were selected using visual muscle score (1–15 scale, where 1 = lightest and 15 = heaviest muscling) into low- and high-muscled animals, and mated to Angus bulls with low or high muscularity. Initially, low-muscled cows were mated to low-muscled bulls to create the Low line, and high-muscled bulls and cows were mated to create the High line. On discovering that some High cattle carried the myostatin (821 del11) gene, a second High line was created to distinguish between cattle with no copies of the myostatin gene (High line) and those with one copy (HighHet line). Data from 12 breeding cycles, consisting of 2003 joining records, and 1713 resulting weaning records were analysed to assess maternal productivity. Cows from the three lines were similar in weight (547, 548 and 550 kg, P = 0.9), but varied in body composition – from Low to High to HighHet cows, muscling traits increased and fatness traits decreased (all P &lt; 0.001). Compared with Low cows, High cows had a 4.4 units higher muscle score, 10% higher eye muscle area and 21% less fat, and HighHet cows had a 7.1 units higher muscle score, 17% higher eye muscle area and 45% less fat. There were no significant effects of selection for increased muscling on live birth or weaning rates, or weaning weight (all P &gt; 0.1). Dystocia levels of Low and HighHet maidens or cows did not differ significantly, but High maidens or cows had less dystocia (P = 0.013). Low, High and HighHet cows weaned 218, 225 and 216 kg of calf/cow joined.year, indicating similar maternal productivity.

Influence of slaughter age and carcass suspension on meat quality in Angus heifers

This study investigated the effects of pelvic suspension and slaughter age on longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from 40 heifers with at least 75% Angus breeding. A total of 20 heifers were slaughtered directly from pasture at 18 months of age, and carcass sides were hung either by the Achilles tendon or the pelvic bone. The other 20 heifers were assigned to an additional winter housing period and slaughtered at 22 months of age; carcass sides were hung only by Achilles suspension. All carcasses were electrically stimulated and assessed according to the EUROP carcass classification system. In addition, the LTL muscles were aged for 7 or 14 days before meat quality was evaluated for intramuscular fat (IMF), drip loss, colour, shear force, compression and sensory analysis. The 22-month-old heifers were heavier, fatter and had more IMF than 18-month-old heifers. Conformation scores (muscling) did not differ between the two slaughter groups. Pelvic suspension reduced both between- and within-animal variation for peak force, total energy and compression peak force. For the 18-month-old heifers, pelvic suspension also decreased peak force, total energy and compression variables for the LTL muscles from both ageing periods, whereas Achilles-suspended samples had lower shear force values only at day 14. Sensory analysis showed that pelvic-suspended sides had greater tenderness, lower bite resistance, less threadiness, higher juiciness and meat flavour and less visible marbling than meat from Achilles-suspended sides. Pelvic-suspended sides at 18 months of age were similar in peak force and total energy values to the 22-month-old heifers. The importance of ageing the Achilles-suspended sides was more obvious for samples from 18-month-old heifers than from the 22-month-old animals. The correlations between the different instrumental measurements and sensory tenderness were considerably higher for carcasses suspended by the Achilles tendon (r = −0.55 to 0.20) than for those hung by the pelvic bone (r = −0.25 to 0.19). More correlations between sensory-evaluated tenderness and shear variables were significant after 7 days (n = 6) of ageing than after 14 days (n = 4) of ageing. This study clearly shows the benefits of pelvic suspension, which reduces the need for additional feeding after pasture.

Stability of Aberdeen Angus breeding values in the Czech Republic from 1997 to 2007

We predict the stability of breeding values (BVs) for direct effect (DE) and maternal effect (ME) for live weights at 210 days of age in the entire population of purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle in the Czech Republic according to an increase of progeny number in performance recording over a period of 11&amp;nbsp;years (1997 to 2007) and the course of BVs for DE and ME during the years of observation in animals born until 1997.&amp;nbsp; Furthermore we compare genetic trends of BVs for DE and ME among animals born in different years and detect the level and significance of correlation coefficients among predictions of BVs for DE and ME performed during the years of observation. The animal model and the BLUPF90 programme were used for these predictions. The used model included the effects of animal, sex, contemporary group, dam, age of dam, and permanent environment of dam. The variance of BVs ranged from 4.96 to 10.87 depending on the year of evaluation and whether it was related to maternal or direct genetic effect. The animals were initially assigned to groups according to their BV in 1997, and this ranking was not affected by the BVs predicted in subsequent years. The existence of a negative correlation between direct and maternal effects was confirmed. The significant correlations (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) demonstrated a strong relationship between the BVs predicted in successive years, e.g. the correlation coefficient for the relationship between BVs for direct effect predicted in the last years of the examined period was above 0.9 and that for maternal effect was above 0.8.&amp;nbsp;