Genetic Parameter Estimates for Calving Difficulty and Birth Weight in a Multibreed Population

Authors

Cashley M. Ahlberg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Larry A. Kuehn, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
R. Mark Thallman Thallman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Stephen D. Kachman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matthew L. Spangler, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Stephen D. Kachman

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

Eighteen breeds were utilized to estimate genetic parameters for birth weight and calving difficulty on first-parity females. Birth weight and calving difficulty were moderately heritable allowing for genetic selection to decrease calving difficulty. Genetic correlation estimates were positive between direct effects for birth weight and calving difficulty. This work will serve as the foundation for estimating across-breed EPD for calving difficulty in the U.S.