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Comparative performance of six holstein-friesian X guzera grades in Brazil. 5. age at first calving

A.M. Lemos^I; F.E. Madalena^II; RL. Teodoro^I; R.T. Barbosa^III; J.B.N. Monteiro^I

^ICNP-Gado de Leite, EMBRAPA, 36155 Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brasil. Send Correspondence to A.M.L.
^IIRua Teodoro Coelho, 365, 36050 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
^IIIUEPAE São Carlos, EMBRAPA, Caixa Postal 339, 13560 São Carlos, SP, Brasil

ABSTRACT

As part of a trial on crossbreeding strategies, age at first calving of 463 Holstein-Friesian (HF) x Guzera (Gu) heifers (1/4 to ≥ 31/32 HF grade) was studied. Heifers were born between 1977 and 1981 at Santa Monica Experimental Farm, Valença, State of Rio de Janeiro, and were distributed to cooperator farms in Southeastern Brazil, at a mean age of 22 mo. Farms were grouped into high and low management level classes (5 and 58 farms respectively). Separate least squares analyses were perfonned within each class, using a model including farm-birth period and HF grade classification effects. In an alternative model, the latter were replaced by an additive dominance, additive x additive epistatic model. F₁ heifers had the lowest age at first calving, their superiority being more marked in the low management level farms. Estimates of breed additive difference (HF-Gu) were negative (i.e. favourable to HF), as were the dominance deviations, the latter being more important, especially for the low management level. Additive x additive epistatic deviations were significant (P < 0.05) in the low management level only.

Keywords: Holstein-friesian; Guzera; Brazil.

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