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Title: GENOTYPE X FORAGE INTERACTION FOR MATURE WEIGHT AND RATE OF MATURING FOR ANGUS, BRAHMAN, AND RECIPROCAL CROSS COWS.

Author
item SANDELIN, B. - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item BROWN, JR., A. - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item Brown, Michael
item JOHNSON, Z. - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item STELZLENI, A. - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2000
Publication Date: 1/27/2001
Citation: SANDELIN, B.A., BROWN, JR., A.H., BROWN, M.A., JOHNSON, Z.B., STELZLENI, A.M. GENOTYPE X FORAGE INTERACTION FOR MATURE WEIGHT AND RATE OF MATURING FOR ANGUS, BRAHMAN, AND RECIPROCAL CROSS COWS.. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. 2001. Vol. 79, Suppl. 2. p. 5.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only.

Technical Abstract: Mature weight (A) and rate of maturing (k) were estimated in 177 Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal cross cows grazing common bermudagrass or endophyte-infected fescue over a 4 year period. Data was collected every 28 days until approximately 18 mo and then at prebreeding, postcalving, and weaning of calf. All cows in the analyses had data to at least 42 mo of age. Mature weight and rate of maturing were estimated using the three- parameter growth curve as described by Brody. The model included dependent variables of mature weight and rate of maturing and independent variables of genotype, forage and genotype x forage interaction. There was a genotype x forage interaction for A (P < 0.01) but not k. However, breed type was a source of variation for A and k (P < 0.001). Angus had greater (P < 0.05) mean mature weight than Angus x Brahman and Brahman (600 vs 565 and 554 kg), respectively. Brahman x Angus had greater (P < 0.01) mean mature weight than Angus x Brahman (619 vs 565 kg). Brahman had a lower (P < 0.01) mean mature weight than did Brahman x Angus (554 vs. 619 kg). Angus had a slower (P < 0.05) rate of maturing than Angus x Brahman and Brahman x Angus (0.039 vs 0.054 and 0.049), respectively and Angus x Brahman had a faster (P < 0.05) rate of maturing than Brahman x Angus and Brahman (0.054 vs 0.049 and 0.041) respectively. Brahman x Angus had a faster (P < 0.05) rate of maturing than did the Angus x Brahman. These data suggest that the choice of breed type is important in crossbreeding programs to match animal requirements associated with mature size and rate of maturing to available production resources.