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Effect of pre-weaning selection on estimates of genetic parameters and breeding values for post-weaning growth rate of beef bulls on test

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Abstract

Data on South African Angus cattle consisting of 45 259 records on weaning weight (WWT), 4 360 records on average daily gain from on-farm test (ADG-D) and 1 118 from centralized test (ADG-C) were analyzed to evaluate the effect of pre-weaning selection on estimates of genetic parameters and subsequent estimated breeding values (EBV) for post-weaning average daily gain. (Co)variance components and genetic parameters for weaning weight (WWT), ADG-C and ADG-D were estimated by REML procedures fitting three different animal models. Model 1 was a univariate model of WWT, ADG-C or ADG-D and did not account for the effect of pre-weaning selection on post-weaning ADG. Model 2 was a two-trait model of WWT and either ADG-C or ADG-D. Model 3 was a multi-trait animal model including WWT, ADG-C and ADG-D. Estimates of heritability for ADG-C were 0.39 ± 0.080, 0.42 ± 0.060 and 0.44 ± 0.010 from Model 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Corresponding estimates for ADG-D were 0.18 ± 0.020, 0.19 ± 0.020 and 0.21 ± 0.020 respectively. Rank correlations based on EBVs for ADG-C for all bulls were 0.92, 0.83 and 0.94 for Model 1 vs. Model 2, Model 1 vs. Model 3, and Model 2 vs. Model 3, respectively and they indicated a possible re-ranking of bulls when including or excluding a correlated pre-weaning trait. Rank correlations for ADG-D also followed a similar trend. Inclusion of pre-weaning information in genetic analysis for post-weaning average daily gain is necessary to account for selection at weaning.

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Acknowledgements

Gratitude is extended to the South African Angus breeder’s society for their permission to use their data. Funding from the Technology and Human Resource for Industry Programme (THRIP) of the National Research Foundation (NRF) is greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    M. L. Mashiloane, D. Norris & J. W. Ngambi

  2. Limpopo Department of Agriculture, Private Bag X 9487, Polokwane, 0700, South Africa

    K. A. Nephawe

  3. ARC-Livestock Business Division, Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062, South Africa

    A. Maiwashe

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  1. M. L. Mashiloane
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  2. K. A. Nephawe
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  3. A. Maiwashe
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  4. D. Norris
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  5. J. W. Ngambi
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Correspondence to M. L. Mashiloane.

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Mashiloane, M.L., Nephawe, K.A., Maiwashe, A. et al. Effect of pre-weaning selection on estimates of genetic parameters and breeding values for post-weaning growth rate of beef bulls on test. Trop Anim Health Prod 41, 1723–1730 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9371-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9371-2

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