Animal Science, Department of
Date of this Version
1966
Citation
PUBLISHED BY ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT U N I V E RSITY OF N EBRASKA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS
Abstract
Many beef cattle breeders in the United States and other countries are following the progress of the selection experiment at the Fort Robinson Beef Cattle Research Station, Crawford, Nebraska. Three lines of Hereford cattle from the same genetic foundation are under selection. Line 21 is selected for 200-day weight. Line 22 is selected for yearling weight. Line 23 is selected for an index combining yearling weight and a score for muscling and fat thickness.
Each line is operated as a closed herd so it will be possible to determine how much improvement in economic traits can be made by selecting all replacement stock from within the same herd. Starting in 1966 there will be 150 calving cows in each line. Six herd sires are used each year. Two bulls and 25 heifers are selected to add to each line each year. Heifers are bred to calve first as two year olds. Cow numbers will be maintained at 150 by culling the oldest cows and those that fail to conceive or have a major physical unsoundness. Bulls are replaced after their third breeding season.
Included in
Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons, Meat Science Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons
Comments
Used by permission.