Page 15 - Puke-Nui Angus Yearling Catalogue
P. 15

HERITABILITIES OF TRAITS IN TRANSTASMAN ANGUS CATTLE EVALUATION
Only part of the variation that we observe among animals is due to genetic differences. The majority of the variation is general due to non-genetic factors such as differences
in environment and nutrition. The degree
to which genetic differences influence performance varies from trait to trait. This is explained by differences in the ‘heritability’ of the traits.
Growth and carcase traits tend to have moderate to high heritabilities (i.e 20 to 40%), whilst female fertility and calving ease have low heritabilities (10% or lower). TACE takes into account the different degrees of heritability of various traits and the known genetic relationships between traits.
The amount of genetic influence in a trait.
The amount of environmental (non-genetic) influence in a trait.
Calving Ease Dir Gestation Length Birth Wt 200-Day Wt 400-Day Wt 600-Day Wt Mature Cow Wt Milk Scrotal Size Days to Calving Carcass Wt Eye Muscle Area Rib Fat Rump Fat Retail Beef Yield % Intra-muscular Fat %
14%
 86%
65%
 35%
32%
 68%
12%
 88%
23%
 77%
35%
 65%
40%
 60%
10% 90%
 39%
 61%
7% 93%
 41%
 59%
34%
 66%
45%
 55%
32%
 68%
60%
 40%
32%
 68%
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