Abstract

Performance data from a Polled Hereford herd selected for improved feed conversion were used to calculate a variety of genetic parameters. Heritabilities were .14 for weaning wt, .18 for maternal weaning wt., and .19 for milk production. The genetic correlations were -.10 between weaning weight and maternal weaning weight and 0 between weaning weight and milk production. However, the genetic correlation between maternal weaning weight and milk was . 99, indicating they are essentially the same trait. Milk EPDs published by most breed associations are calculate d as the maternal weaning weight. Our study strongly supports this method of estimating an animal's genotype for milk production.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1995, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 95-357-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 727, Beef, Weaning weight, Maternal weaning weight, Milk production, Heritabilities, Genetic correlations

How to Cite:

Glaze, J. J. & Schalles, R., (1995) “Relationships between weaning weight, maternal weaning weight, and milk production in polled Hereford cattle”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 89-90. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2042