SELECTION POSSIBILITIES FOR FRAME SIZE IN LIMOUSIN AND BLONDE D’AQUITAINE CANDIDATE BULLS

Abstract

Conformation is widely related to many primary and secondary traits important in the breeding aims for beef cattle. In Hungary the breeding organisation of French beef breeds uses a scoring system for conformation next to taking body measures in farm performance tests for candidate bulls. We’ve analysed the relationship of self-performance test data of Limousin (n=260) and Blonde d’ Aquitaine (n=54) bulls - live weight, measured withers height, tail height and scored withers height, rump muscularity 1-2-3 – by dendrograms and correlations in order to determine how these records can be utilised in selection. Grouping the recorded traits showed that body measures and conformation scores are clearly separated. The significant correlation coefficients of withers height measured and scored were calculated (r=0.51, r=0.62) while correlations between measured withers height and rump muscularity scores were loose. Our results suggest, that both evaluations must remain within the selection criteria, and together could serve as a base for successful correcting mating and target mating.

Keywords

• limousin
• blonde d’aquitaine
• body measure
• conformation score
• farm performance test