Preweaning growth of Brahman, Braford, and Africander first-cross calves in the subtropics of New South Wales

Abstract

Preweaning growth of 435 first-cross Brahman x Hereford (BH), Braford x Hereford (BM) and Africander x Hereford (AM) calves was evaluated at Ballina in the subtropics of New South Wales. Thirty-five Brahman, 32 Braford, and 23 Africander sires were mated to Hereford females over 3 years to produce the calves. Mean gestation of BH calves (290 days) was 4 and 6 days longer than BfH and AfH calves, respectively. BH and AfH calves had more eyelid pigmentation (88 and 98%, respectively) than BM calves (59%). For males, birth weights of BH calves were higher than BfH, which, in turn, were heavier than AfH calves (38.6 v. 34.8 v. 31.5 kg). For females, birth weights of BH and BfH calves were not significantly different but were higher than those of AfH calves (33.3 and 32.6 v. 30.4 kg). BH calves had higher average daily gain (ADG) than BfH and AfH calves during the second half of the preweaning period, resulting in 200-day liveweights of 175.4, 167.5, and 167.3 kg for BH, BfH, and AfH calves. BH calves were taller and had larger girths than the other crosses at birth, but AM calves exhibited the greatest increase in height and body length from birth to weaning. For BH, BMI, and AfH calves, 34,6, and 94% were predominantly red, whereas 6, 94, and 5% were also red but had a Hereford coat colour pattern.