Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Mahrt, Garry Sonn
URN	etd-11172012-040158
Title	Comparison of expected and actual progeny growth differences in crossbred calves
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Animal Science
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Notter, David R. Committee Chair Eller, A. L. Jr. Committee Member Pearson, Ronald E. Committee Member Vinson, William E. Committee Member
Keywords	Beef cattle
Date of Defense	1987-06-05
Availability	restricted
Abstract The growth performance of Angus-Polled Hereford F1 calves was compared to the expected progeny differences (EPD) estimated by the American Polled Hereford Association to evaluate the usefulness of EPD estimates for improving commercial beef production. Polled Hereford sires were selected from the high accuracy sires listed in the American Polled Hereford Association's sire summary. Four types of sires were used: 1) Sires with high yearling weight and high maternal EPD's; 2) Sires with high yearling weight and low maternal EPD‘s; 3) Sires with low yearling weight and high maternal EPD's; and 4) Sires with low yearling weight and low maternal EPD's. The resulting progeny were weighed at birth, approximately 135 d, weaning and approximately 1 yr. Hip heights were also measured at weaning. Linear regressions of progeny performance on EPD indicated that birth and yearling weights were accurately predicted by their respective EPD estimates. Weight and height at weaning were not accurately predicted by weaning weight EPD. Partial regressions of progeny performance on yearling weight and maternal EPD's were also calculated. Regression of progeny performance on yearling weight EPD resulted in .16 ±.09 kg/kg for 135-d weight, .28 ± .09 kg/kg for weaning weight, .073 ± .020 cm/kg for weaning hip height and .93 ±.19 kg/kg for yearling weight. Comparable regression values for maternal EPD were .44 ± .18 kg/kg, .31 ± .17 kg/kg, .100 ± .040 cm/kg and .22 ± .36 kg/kg for 135-d, weaning weight, weaning hip height and yearling weight, respectively. These results indicate that maternal EPD values predicted some differences in preweaning growth that were not predicted by yearling weight EPD. The progeny performance data was also used to calculate independent EPD estimates for birthweight, weaning weight, and yearling weight. Correlations between these EPD estimates and those made by the American Polled Hereford Association were .49 for birthweight, .26 for weaning weight and .66 for yearling weight. The low correlation between weaning weight EPD estimates was significantly below expectation and indicates that the American Polled Hereford Association estimates were inadequate for predicting preweaning growth differences in these crossbred calves.
Files	Filename       Size       Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)     28.8 Modem   56K Modem   ISDN (64 Kb)   ISDN (128 Kb)   Higher-speed Access  LD5655.V855_1987.M343.pdf 3.77 Mb 00:17:27 00:08:58 00:07:51 00:03:55 00:00:20 next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.

If you have questions or technical problems, please Contact DLA.