Genetic parameter estimates for weaning traits in a multibreed beef cattle population

Hailu Dadi

Genetic parameter estimates for weaning traits in a multibreed beef cattle population

2001

Hailu Dadi (EARO. Addis Abeba (Ethiopia))

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters as well as to evaluate the influence of some genetic factors on preweaning growth traits in a multibreed beef cattle population. These preweaning growth traits in a multibreed beef cattle population. These preweaning growth traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and average daily gain (ADG). Three aspects were addressed in this particular study; namely the Estimation of (co) variance components and genetic parameters, the effect of sire breeds and dam genotypes and the contribution of Charolais and Angus breeding levels on weaning traits in a multibreed beef cattle heard. Variance components and resulting genetic parameters of BW, WW and ADG in the population were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedures. Four different unitrait and multitrait animal models were fitted ranging from a simple model with the animal direct effects as the only random effect to the model allowing for both genetic and permanent maternal environmental effects. The model that included direct.

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