Research Article

Prediction of the Fattening Performance of Young Slaughter Cattle Based on Selected Live Animal Measurements

Paulina Pogorzelska-Przybyłek, Zenon Nogalski, Ireneusz Białobrzewski, Zofia Wielgosz-Groth, Monika Sobczuk-Szul

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(3), 2015, 67‒84

Abstract. The objective of the study was to determine the possibility for early prediction of the fattening ability of young crossbred beef bulls using multiple regression equations developed on the basis of selected live animal measurements. The experimental material comprised 96 young crossbred beef bulls being the offspring of Polish Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and beef bulls (Limousin, Hereford and Charolaise). At the age of 6 months, at the introduction of the animals into semi-intensive fattening system lasting for 12 months, live animal measurements were performed. Using a stepwise regression method, prediction equations were derived: average daily gain (ADG), dry matter conversion, crude protein conversion, net energy conversion per 1 kg body weight gain. The highest predictive values are provided by the equation estimating ADG. The application thereof in practice allows the acceptably accurate estimation, at the age of 6 months, of the rate of body weight gains of young bulls fattened semi-intensively until the 540th day of age, and the selection of calves for fattening on this basis.

Keywords: estimation, fattening performance, daily gains