Growth to 12 months of age of Hereford and Africander × Hereford crossbred cattle

Abstract

Liveweights and liveweight gains of straightbred Hereford and F1 Africander x Hereford crossbreds were compared from birth to 379 days of age at the Brigalow Research Station (24¦50ÆS., 149¦48'E.), Theodore in central Queensland. Over three calvings, there was no significant (P>0.05) effect of breed on day of birth or birth weight of calf, but at 127, 2 13 (weaning) and 379 days of age, F1 AfricanderxHereford crossbreds were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than straightbred Hereford cattle. The advantage was 7% to weaning and increased to 14% by 379 days of age. There were significant breed x sex interactions for liveweights at 127, 213 and 379 days of age, but not for birth weight. Hereford males failed to express superiority over females. A breed x dam age interaction was apparent for liveweights at 127, 213 and 379 days of age. The greatest difference between the two breed groups was in the progeny suckled by 2-year-old dams. Generally, sire effects were not significant within breeds.