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Breed Additive and Heterosis Effects on Feedlot and Carcass Traits in Beef Cattle
Postweaning growth, feed intake and carcass yield are important determinants of profitability for the cattle feeder and packer. The objective of this research was to estimate direct and maternal breed effects and heterosis contributions for Afrikaner (A), Simmentaler (S), Brahman (B), Charolais (C) and Hereford (H). Data arising from 5 straightbred and 24 crossbred combinations were modeled by multiple regression of the phenotypes on expected breed proportions and heterozygosity. Average direct heterosis was 17.9% for average post-weaning daily gain, being the largest in the B genotypes. The average maternal heterosis effects were less. Both average direct and maternal heterosis effects were essentially nil for daily feed intake, dressing percentage and percentage meat yield.
Keywords:
crossbreeding
feed intake
meat yield
