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Genetic Parameter Estimates for Calving Difficulty and Birth Weight in a Multi-breed Population

Tuesday, August 19, 2014: 1:45 PM
Bayshore Grand Ballroom A (The Westin Bayshore)
Cashley M Ahlberg , University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Larry A. Kuehn , USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE
R. Mark Thallman , USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE
Stephen D. Kachman , University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
Matthew L. Spangler , University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Recorded Presentation (flv)
Abstract Text: Birth weight (BWT) and calving difficulty (CD) were recorded on 4,580 first parity females from the Germplasm Evaluation (GPE) program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.  Both traits were analyzed using a bivariate animal model with direct and maternal effects.  Genetic groups for breed of AI sire were fitted to estimate breed differences.  Bos indicus influenced breeds tended to have the largest BWT.   Heritability estimates for BWT direct, CD direct, BWT maternal and CD maternal were 0.45 (0.09), 0.40 (0.09), 0.18 (0.08), and 0.18 (0.08), respectively.  Genetic correlation estimates were positive between direct BWT and CD direct at 0.82 (0.10).  All other genetic correlations were not significant.

Keywords:

Beef

Calving Difficulty

Breed Effects

See more of: Developments in Beef Cattle Genetics
See more of: Species Breeding: Beef cattle
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