Growth of cattle in Papua and New Guinea. 1. Brahman-British crossbreds

Abstract

The post-weaning growth late of heifers of varying proportions of Brahman blood was studied on natural pastures at Moitaka, Papua. Angus heifers gained 0.52 lb a day, quarter Brahman Angus heifers gained 0.55 lb a day, and half Brahman Angus heifers and three quarter Brahman Angus heifers gained 0.91 lb a day. The differences between Angus and half Brahman Angus, and also between quarter Brahman Angus and half and three quarter Brahman Angus were significant (P<0.01). The weaning (nine months) weights of the heifers were also significantly different (in one trial Angus 331 lb and half Brahman Angus 407 lb; in another, quarter Brahman Angus 339 lb, half Brahman Angus 441 lb, and three quarter Brahman Angus 495 lb). Possible reasons for these differences are suggested. The proper development of a sound beef cattle industry in Moitaka environment will depend upon the use of Brahman (Zebu) and Brahman crossbred cattle.