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Preliminary Results of an Investigation on Innovative Breeding Objectives to Improve Efficiency in Extensive Cow-calf Production Systems in the Bonsmara Breed

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Posters (The Westin Bayshore)
Motshabi C Mokolobate , University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Michiel M Scholtz , University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Frikkie W C Neser , University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Frans J Jordaan , University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Sendros D Mulugeta , North West University, Mahikeng, South Africa
Abstract Text: :This study investigates kilogram calf weaned per Large Stock Unit (KgC/LSU) and weaning weight (K205), both as traits of the dam, as innovative breeding objectives to improve cow efficiency. The variance and co-variance parameters were estimated using univariate and multivariate repeatability models. The dataset comprised of 34,884 complete cow-calf records in respect of cow weight at weaning (DW) and pre-corrected 205-day weaning weight for parities 1, 2 and 3. Genetic correlation between K205 and DW is low (0.19), whereas that between KgC/LSU and DW is -0.83. These preliminary results indicate that selection for KgC/LSU may drastically reduce cow size. However, selection for K205 might increase cow size slightly. It is concluded that a combination of K205 and cow weight expressed in LSU’s in a selection index should be investigated as a feasible option to improve cow productivity and reduce the carbon footprint.

Keywords:

cow efficiency

cow weight

large stock unit

See more of: Posters: Breeding objectives, economics of Selection Schemes, and Advances in Selection Theory (Group 1)
See more of: Genetic Improvement Programs: Breeding objectives, economics of selection schemes, and advances in selection theory
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