Performance of crossbred cows in the Ruakura beef breed evaluation trial

R.L. Baker, A.H. Carter, J.P. Muller

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1981, 41: 254-266

Progeny by 11 sire breeds out of Angus or Hereford cows were born 1973-7. Semen from the same bulls was used at each of three diverse research locations. This paper relates to 6187 matings (mainly by AI) and 4537 calvings of the 2163 female progeny, all being first mated as yearlings.

Location differences were greater for reproduction than for growth traits and indicated important genotype x environment interactions for the main components of cow performance, namely calving rate, calf survival and calf growth to weaning. All the European exotic crosses performed relatively much better at Tokanui (the most favourable environment) than Goudies (relatively harsh environment). In terms of weight of calf weaned per female joined, the Simmental cross ranked second at Tokanui but only seventh at Goudies; conversely the Hereford- Angus cross ranked fourth at Goudies but eighth at Tokanui.

At all locations, Friesian cross females weaned the greatest weight of calf per head but are likely to be matched in feed efficiency of calf production by the lighter Jersey cross.

The findings are compared with some overseas results, and implications are discussed in terms of breed utilisation strategies.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998