Selection for reduced mature cow weight should not reduce body condition — ASN Events
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  2. Concurrent 12 - Genetics on the ground II
  3. Selection for reduced mature cow weight should not reduce body condition

Selection for reduced mature cow weight should not reduce body condition (#70)

Wayne S Pitchford 1 , S J Lee 1 , B J Walmsley 2
  1. School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371
  2. Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit*, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351
A large number of Angus cows (3,768) were ultrasound scanned for eye muscle area, rib and rump fat depth and intramuscular fat both as yearlings and at weaning of their first calf.  They also had weight and height measured and body condition scored.  Response to selection for a number of scenarios was evaluated following current industry index weightings.  Single trait selection for low cow weight at weaning would result in shorter cows with less fat, muscle and condition.  However, selection indices that include some positive weighting on carcass quality (muscle and/or fat) would result in increased body condition of cows even when adjusted for changes in weight or mature size.  This should lead to increased confidence in current selection indices.
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