Abstract
PAST genetic studies in beef cattle have emphasized point evaluation of growth over relevant economic time periods. In general, the measurements considered have been confined to constant ages, constant time periods or, occasionally, over a constant weight period (Swiger et al., 1962; Brown and Gifford, 1962; Thrift et al., 1970; Nelms and Bogart, 1955). Many aspects of development patterns and interperiodic relationships have been neglected as a consequence of using a few select measurements to evaIuate growth. Certain characteristics of growth such as rate of maturing and mature size cannot be measured on immature animals, yet these or related measures are necessary to give perspective to the single measurements made on animals. This concept was considered in some detail by Brody and his coworkers, yet it has received only limited consideration since 1950 (Brody, 1945; Taylor, 1965; Fitzhugh and Taylor, 1971; Timon and Eisen, 1969). One objective of this study was to obtain estimates of mature weights and rate of maturing for Hereford and Angus females. Copyright © 1972. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1972 by American Society of Animal Science.