Medycyna Wet. 63 (3), 357-359, 2007
| Przysucha T., Grodzki H., Slósarz J. |
| Influence of cow body weight, calving number and season, calf sex and body weight at birth on rearing results of Salers calves |
| The aim of the study was to determine the influence of cow body weight, calving number and season, calf sex and body weight at birth on rearing results of Salers calves. The analysis was based on the results of the beef recording test conducted by Polish Beef Cattle Breeders & Producers Association over the years 1997-2002. A significant influence of cow body weight at calving as well as calving number on all the investigated traits was stated. The heaviest cows delivered calves heavier by 2 kg than those weighing up to 500 kg. Primiparous cows and those calving for the second time delivered much lighter calves than older ones. The discussed factors also had a significant effect on growth rate and body weight of calves at weaning. The calving season proved to have a significant effect on rearing results. Calves born in the proper season, i.e. from January to May, were heavier by over 17 kg at weaning and had a higher daily body weight gain by about 80 g at rearing. A significant influence of calf body weight at birth on its body weight at 210 days was observed. The sex of calves proved to be highly significant on growth rate and body weight at weaning. Bull-calves had a daily gain higher by about 80 g than heifer-calves and consequently were heavier by over 16 kg at weaning. |
| Keywords: beef cattle, Salers, growth rate |