HETEROSIS FOR PREWEANING TRAITS IN DEVON-HEREFORD CROSSES UNDER TEMPERATE RANGE CONDITIONS

Authors

A. L. Gyles, University of New England
W. H. Upton, University of New England
K. Hammond, University of New England
J. M. Thompson, University of New England
B. Tier, University of New England

Date of this Version

1986

Comments

Published in 3rd World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, edited by Gordon E. Dickerson and Rodger K. Johnson, 4 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1986). Copyright © 1986 Board of Regents University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Heterosis for gestation length. birth weight. suckling stimulus. weaning weight and preweaning growth was estimated from the first years data of a complete two-breed diallel with the Devon and Hereford breeds. involving 119 calves by 29 sires grown together under temperate grazing conditions at Gunnedah. New South Wales. Australia.

Estimates of heterosis (and average mid-parent values) for gestation length were 0.2% (282.9 days); birth weight 6.5% (32.6kg); suckling stimulus 22.9% (3.51/day); weaning weight 5.9% (155.1kg); and average daily gain to weaning 7.0% (0.6kg/day).