Estimation of British- and Continental-Specific Heterosis Effects for Birth, Weaning, and Yearling Weight in Cattle

Authors

Lauren N. Schiermiester, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
R. Mark Thallman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Larry A. Kuehn Kuehn, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matthew L. Spangler, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Matthew L. Spangler

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension, MP101.

Comments

Copyright © 2015 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Heterosis, assumed proportional to expected breed heterozygosity, was calculated for 6,834 individuals with birth, weaning, and yearling weight records from Cycle VII of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation Program. Heterosis was further estimated by proportions of British x British (BxB), British x Continental (BxC), and Continental x Continental (CxC) crosses. Estimates of BxB, BxC, and CxC heterosis were significant for weaning and yearling weight. This study illustrated that differences among biological types exist and provide an opportunity to utilize specific breeds and exploit heterosis in a crossbreeding system to achieve production goals.