Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1971, 31: 43-50
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1971, 31: 43-50
Pregnant Friesian cows lost less liveweight than Angus over the winter period, but the Angus gained more during the suckling period. The fertility of the Friesian and Angus cows was similar. Mortality of calves between birth and weaning was slightly greater for A x A calves than for the other three groups.
The Friesian calves were, on average, 17 lb heavier at birth, and 80 lb heavier at weaning than A x A calves. Significant paternal and maternal breed effects, favouring the Friesians, were present at birth and weaning. The A x F calves were 10 lb lighter at weaning than F x F, and F x A 35 lb heavier than A x A.
Maternal effects on final liveweight, carcass weight, and the weights of carcass components were manifest in the slaughter data and significant paternal x maternal breed interactions were also found. The heavier F x F animals produced a greater weight of saleable meat than the lighter A x A, even though the latter had a higher meat yield percentage. Differences in carcass composition were accounted for by differences in carcass weight.
Heterosis estimates for calf weaning weight, final liveweight and carcass weight were 1.9%, 3.6% and 4.9%, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the role of Angus and Friesian cattle in the New Zealand beef industry.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
