EFFECT OF SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON WEANING PERFORMANCE OF HUNGARIAN GREY CATTLE POPULATIONS

Abstract

Weaning performance of 2857 purebred calves (660 male and 2197 female) born from 1498 cows mated with 78 sire were analised in seven farms. Genetic- and environmental variance and heritability, breeding value of weaning weight (VS), preweaning daily gain (SGY) and 205-day weight (KVS) were calculated. Farm, year of birth, season of birth, sex, number of calving as fixed, while sire as a random effect was treated. Data were analyzed with SPSS 9.0 and Harvey’s (1990) Least Square Maximum Likelihood Computer Program. The environmental factors examined had an effect on all traits. The overall mean value and standard error (SE) of VS, SGY and KVS were 208±3.31 kg, 887±15.66 g/day and 199±14.774 kg, respectively. The heritability of the investigated traits was 0.24, 0.25 and 0.25. The results of the examination show that the 205-day weight was increased to seventh calving. The male calves were hevier than females, the difference was 22 kg (10,5%).

Keywords

• hungarian grey cattle
• environmental effects
• genetic parameters
• heritability