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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Genetics and Animal Breeding » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141292

Title: GERMPLASM EVALUATION IN BEEF CATTLE - CYCLE IV: POST WEANING GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY

Author
item Snowder, Gary
item Cundiff, Larry
item KOCH, ROBERT - RETIRED-UNIV. OF NEBRASKA
item GREGORY, KEITH - ARS COLLABORATOR

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2003
Publication Date: 7/1/2003
Citation: Snowder, G.D., Cundiff, L.V., Koch, R.M., Gregory, K.E. 2003. Germplasm evaluation in beef cattle - Cycle IV: Post weaning growth and feed efficiency [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science Supplement 81(2):39.

Interpretive Summary: No interpretive summary is required.

Technical Abstract: ABSTRACT: Breed effects on post weaning growth and feed efficiency traits were compared on 785 F1 crossbred steers out of Angus or Hereford dams and sired by Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, Salers, or Shorthorn bulls. Steers averaged about 155 d of age at weaning across years (1986 to 1990). Post weaning traits were observed on steers fed within sire breed group in two to three replicated pens per year for approximately 272 d. Steers were slaughtered serially in three or four slaughter groups spanning 56 to 63 d. Quadratic regressions of pen mean weight on days fed and of cumulative metabolizable energy consumption (ME) on days fed were used to estimate gain, ME consumption and efficiency (Mcal ME/kg gain) over time (0 to 226 d on feed) and weight (250 to 500 kg) intervals, and from d 0 to a small degree of marbling and to a 21.6% fat trim end point. Data were analyzed by least squares, mixed model procedures and linear regression to derive contrasts at age-constant, weight-constant, marbling end point, and fat end point. On a time and age constant basis, Charolais and Shorthorn sired crosses were faster growing than other breed types. Growth rates of Longhorn, Galloway, and Nellore-sired crosses were slower compared to other breed types. Rank of sire breeds changed significantly when marbling and percent fat trim end points were considered. Growth rate of Shorthorn-sired crosses to the marbling end point was the slowest. Growth rate of Piedmontese-sired crosses was the fastest to the fat trim end point. Feed efficiency in age and weight constant intervals was highest in Charolais crosses; and lowest in Piedmontese, Nellore, and Longhorn sired crosses. At a marbling or fat trim end point, rank of feed efficiency for Charolais crosses decreased significantly while the rank of Hereford-Angus crosses significantly improved. Breed rankings varied depending on end points.