Progeny testing Angus and Hereford bulls for growth performance

R.L. Baker, A.H. Carter and P.R. Beatson

Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1975, 35: 103-111

This paper summarizes progeny test results for growth from birth to 14 to 15 months of age based on four calf crops at Waikite (53 Angus and 39 Hereford sires) and three calf crops at Flock House (39 Angus sires). The findings demonstrate the wide variation among sires in progeny performance and hence the importance of accurate sire selection. In general, bulls ranking highest on their own performance are among the top bracket on progeny test. Estimates of heritability were calculated by the paternal half-sib method for different growth traits. Average heritability estimates were 0.28 for birth weight, 0.20 for weaning weight, 0.45 for yearling weight and 0.20 for post-weaning gain to the yearling stage. It is suggested that corrected yearling weight is the best trait for selection among these four growth traits. It appears that progeny test results are consistent on both male and female data.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000