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Genetic (Co) Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos Indicus Tropically Adapted Breed
F.A. Thrift
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Project Description
Expected progeny differences (estimate of genetic values for various traits) have been utilized to increase growth rate in the major beef cattle breeds. With an increase in growth rate, it has been postulated that the cattle become less docile. At the Kentucky, Arkansas and Louisiana stations, temperament is evaluated using the following scoring system as calves are processed in a chute at weaning: 1) calm, 2) slightly restless, 3) restless, shaking chute, 4) vigorously shakes chute, 5) berserk frenzy. Upon completion of the study, data from all three stations will be combined for analysis. At the Kentucky station, a cooperator-owned purebred Angus herd consisting of 250 cows is being utilized to assess impact of temperament on weaning performance. To date, weaning temperament and weaning performance have been evaluated on 569 calves at the Kentucky station.
Impact
Cattle with a non-docile temperament tend to be discriminated in the market place (as much as $15/cwt at the calf and yearling stage) because of the perception that these cattle will have sub-par performance in the feedlot and will be subject to bruising (requires carcass trimming) and an increased incidence of dark cutting carcasses (discounted as much as $30/cwt of carcass). Thus, significant industry savings could be achieved by selecting docile cattle, even if selection for increased growth has to be moderated.