Weaning performance of Gir calves

Abstract

Weights at birth fourth, seventh and tenth weaning month, and average daily gain (ADG) of 234 Gir calves were studied at Umbuzeiro, PB, Brazil, to evaluate the influence of sire, and calf sex and year at birth. Data were adjusted for age of the cow at calving. Male calves were heavier than female calves at birth (21.9 vs. 20.5 kg) and at fourth month (77.1 vs. 70.1 kg), with an average weight gain superior in 47.7 g/day. Year of birth affected weight at fourth month and, with the interaction sire x sex, the weight at seventh and tenth month. ADG from birth to the fourth month (4369) was higher than from birth to weaning (370 g), with a variation during five years studied of 386 to 491 g/day. Cow age at calving and interaction sire x sex affected ADG from birth to weaning, that varied from 338 to 401 g/day. Repeatability’s estimated for weights at birth fourth, seventh, tenth months, and ADG from birth to fourth and tenth months were 0.25: 0.21; 0.20; 0.25; 0.15 and 0.23. respectively.