Some Genetic Aspects of Gestation Length, and Birth and Weaning Weights in Hereford Cattle

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Abstract
Length of gestation, birth weight and weaning weight were studied in 351 calves from 8 different sires born in the same season. Gestation length was not related to sex, age of dam nor date of birth but all of these factors influenced birth and weaning weights at the 1% probability level. Heritability estimates for gestation length, birth weight and weaning were 54, 67 and 11%, respectively. Heritability estimate for intrauterine growth rate was 63% whereas for growth from birth to weaning it was only 3%. Many of the same genes were responsible for rapid growth both before and after the birth of the calves as shown by the genetic correlations.