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Breed comparisons for growth traits adjusted for within-breed genetic trend using expected progeny differences
R Núñez-Dominguez1, L D Van Vleck, L V Cundiff
1Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, ARS, USDA, Clay Center, NE 68933.
Journal of Animal Science
|June 1, 1993
Summary
This study evaluated how sire Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) translate into crossbred calf performance for birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight. Results show sire EBVs largely predict crossbred performance, with some breed-specific variations observed.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Quantitative Genetics
- Beef Cattle Breeding
Background:
- Crossbreeding programs are vital in beef cattle production for heterosis and breed complementarity.
- Understanding the predictive accuracy of sire Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in crossbred progeny is crucial for genetic selection.
- Previous research has explored sire breed effects, but comprehensive analysis across multiple breeds and traits is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the extent to which sire EBVs for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW) are realized in F1 crossbred calves.
- To estimate sire breed effects for BWT, WW, and YW, accounting for genetic trend and sire sampling.
- To assess the accuracy of maternal EBVs (MLK, MAT) in predicting three-breed-cross calf performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized records from 2,910 F1 calves (birth, weaning, yearling weights) and 4,592 three-breed-cross calves (weaning weight).
- Employed published EBVs for BWT, WW, YW, net maternal ability (MLK), and maternal WW (MAT).
- Calculated average regressions of calf performance traits on sire EBVs and maternal grandsire EBVs, adjusting for genetic base and sire sampling.
Main Results:
- Average regressions of F1 calf BWT, WW, and YW on sire EBVs were 1.04, 0.88, and 1.40 kg/kg, respectively, with YW differing from the expected 1.0.
- Regression of three-way-cross WW on maternal grandsire MLK EBV was 1.02 kg/kg, not significantly different from the expected 1.0.
- Adjustments for sire breed means generally regressed values toward the all-breed average, with WW showing larger ranges for maternal effects than direct effects.
Conclusions:
- Sire EBVs are largely realized in crossbred progeny, particularly for birth and weaning weight, though yearling weight shows higher expression than predicted.
- Maternal EBVs effectively predict performance in three-breed crosses, supporting their utility in breeding programs.
- Breed of sire adjustments impact estimated means, highlighting the importance of accurate adjustment methods in crossbreeding evaluations.