Effect of Akaushi (Wagyu), Angus and Brahman as paternal breeds on pre-weaning growth traits of calves

Objective. To evaluate pre-weaning growth traits of Angus-, Brahman- and Akaushi-sired calves. Materials and methods. One-hundred seventy one calves were produced by artificial insemination in nine herds in the state of Puebla (subtropical environment; n=83) and four herds in the state of Veracruz (tropical environment; n=88), Mexico. Eleven Angus, 15 Brahman, and 5 Akaushi bulls, sired the calves. Average age at weaning was 219 days. The analyses were carried out with the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the effects of breed of sire, sex of calf, birth season, state of the country, and herd nested within state. In addition, the model for actual weaning weight included the linear effect of calf age at weaning. Results. Brahman-sired calves were heavier at birth (p<0.05) than Angus- and Akaushi-sired calves; however, Angus-, Brahman- and Akaushi-sired calves had similar average daily gains from birth to weaning (p>0.05). Angus- and Akaushi-sired calves had similar actual weaning weights (p>0.05), but Brahman-sired calves were heavier at weaning (p<0.05) than Akaushi-sired calves. Sex of calf and season of birth were not significant sources of variation (p>0.05) for any trait. Calves reared in subtropical conditions were heavier at weaning (p<0.05) than those reared in tropical conditions. Conclusions. In general, Brahman-sired calves had a better pre-weaning performance than Angus- and Akaushi-sired calves.