Effect of Akaushi (Wagyu), Angus and Brahman as paternal breeds on pre-weaning growth traits of calves

Efecto de Akaushi (Wagyu), Angus y Brahman como razas paternas sobre el crecimiento pre-destete de becerros

Objective. To evaluate pre-weaning growth traits of Angus-, Brahman- and Wagyu-sired calves. Materials and methods. One-hundred seventy one calves were produced by artificial insemination in nine herds in the state of Puebla (subtropical environment; n=83) and four herds in the state of Veracruz (tropical environment; n=88), Mexico. Eleven Angus, 15 Brahman, and 5 Wagyu bulls, sired the calves. Average age at weaning was 219 days. The analyses were carried out with the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the effects of breed of sire, sex of calf, birth season, state of the country, and herd nested within state. In addition, the model for actual weaning weight included the linear effect of calf age at weaning. Results. Brahman-sired calves were heavier at birth (p<0.05) than Angus- and Wagyu-sired calves; however, Angus-, Brahman- and Wagyu-sired calves had similar average daily gains from birth to weaning (p>0.05). Angus- and Wagyu-sired calves had similar actual weaning weights (p>0.05), but Brahman-sired calves were heavier at weaning (p<0.05) than Wagyu-sired calves. Sex of calf and season of birth were not significant sources of variation (p>0.05) for any trait. Calves reared in subtropical conditions were heavier at weaning (p<0.05) than those reared in tropical conditions. Conclusions. In general, Brahman-sired calves had a better pre-weaning performance than Angus- and Wagyu-sired calves.

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