Calving and Preweaning Growth Performance Traits of Calves Sired by Charolais, Simmental and Eastern Anatolian Red Bulls

Authors : Abdülkadir ÖZLÜTÜRK, Mete YANAR, Naci TÜZEMEN, Sinan KOPUZLU

Pages : 257-263

View : 16 | Download : 4

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Charolais insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(C);-, Simmental insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(S);-, and Eastern Anatolian Red insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EAR);-sired calves born in 2 locations in Eastern Anatolia were compared in terms of calving traits and preweaning growth characteristics. Breed of sire effects were significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); for birth weight, 205-day weaning weight, average daily weight gain from birth to weaning, and some body measurements at birth. S- and C-sired calves were heavier at birth and larger for most body measurements at birth than EAR-sired calves. The C- and S-sired calves also had higher 205-day weight than the EAR-sired calves. Although the level of calving difficulty was higher in the S and C crosses, the differences were not statistically significant. Male calves had significantly insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); heavier birth and 205-day weights, higher preweaning average daily gain and greater body measurements insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(e.g., height at withers, heart girth and cannon bone girth); than females. Location differences were also significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); for survival rate from birth to weaning, preweaning growth rate and 205-day weight. In conclusion, although C- and S-sired calves performed similarly for most traits, all parameters of the preweaning growth were higher in calves sired by S and C bulls than in calves sired by EAR bulls. Therefore, both C and S could be considered as sire breeds for crossbreeding programs to be implemented in Eastern Anatolia, since these breeds did not cause an adverse influence on the calving and growth traits of the crossbred calves.
Keywords : Calf, breeds of sire, growth traits, beef cattle, calving traits