Live Body Weight Evaluation of Four Genotypes of Dairy Heifers under Free Grazing Conditions in Ecuador

Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of body weight of four dairy genotypes under free grazing conditions in Canton Arosemena Tola, Napo Province, Ecuador. Materials and methods: The individual body weight of 48 dairy heifers (12 per genetic group) derived from crossing Brahman bulls x Gyr (G), Brown Swiss (BS), Jersey (J) or Sahiwal (S) cows were recorded every 30 days between 15-17 months (December 2012) and 31-33 months (March 2014) of age. Results: The Brown Swiss cross was the heaviest at beginning of the trial and maintained a significant weight difference (P≤ 0,001) until the last body weight record. No statistically significant differences between genotypes in daily weight gain (P> 0.05) were observed, showing the four genetic groups similar values for this trait (0.265 grams per day on average for the period analyzed). Conclusions: The four genotypes showed …

Año de publicación:

2015

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