Academic literature on the topic 'Aberdeen-Angus cattle – Breeding'

Проаналізовано загальну чисельність племінного поголів΄я, продуктивність м΄ясної худоби абердин-ангуської породи в Україні за період з 2014 по 2017 рік, а також кількість основних племзаводів та племрепродукторів з її розведення. Це дасть змогу вести і корегувати подальшу цілеспрямовану селекційно-племінну роботу з удосконалення та створення вітчизняної ангуської породи. As a result of the research, the issue of the number of breeding cattle of imported Aberdeen-Angus meat breed in Ukraine was studied. The number of breeding plants and breeding products, which specialize in its breeding, has been determined to date. The total number of Aberdeen- Angus in Ukraine in 2017 was 6.520 heads, including cows. At the same time, the number of livestock in both the breeding plants and the breeding farms decreased during the period under review. So, if the Aberdin population had 7649 animals in 2014, then in 2017 it was 6520. Accordingly, the number of enterprises where the cattle of this breed was bred decreased. The largest number of livestock is concentrated in OOO «Buffalo» in Volyn’ region – 1350 heads, including 625 cows. It should also be noted the negative trend of a decrease in both livestock and households. For example, in Zhytomyr region, where in 2015 there were 251 heads of aberdines, at present it is not cultivated by it. For four years out of 20 farms that specialized in this breed, there are 17 in 11 regions of Ukraine. It should be noted that there are areas that do not cultivate Aberdeen-Angus at all, although there are conditions for this. The main indicator of the meat productivity of beef cattle is the living weight. As a result of the analysis it was established that the maximum live weight of full-fat cows is 620 kg, and the minimum weight is 475 kg. In most farms specialize in the breeding of large-type Aberdeen-Angus, and in the rest – small type of British origin. The yield of calves per 100 cows ranges from 65 to 100 %. Live weight of calves at birth on average in Ukraine: heifers – 26.5 kg, bull-calves – 29.4 kg. It again confirms the fecundity of the Aberdeen-Angus. The average daily gain on the suckling is on the average 841 g, after weaning – 887 g. In the economy of beef cattle breeding, the milk of cows is important, on which the calves live after weaning at 7–8 months of age. Milk of cows is low and is in the range of 165–208 kg, which affects the calves' live weight at weaning and it is also a disadvantage of the breed. Given its heterogeneity in origin (British and American), productive indicators and existing shortcomings, a program was developed to create a consolidated competitive Ukrainian Angus meat breed. The program provides for the breeding of a new breed as a result of purebred breeding using rigid selection and selection. Today, work is actively being carried out to create it in Agro-Novoselivka 2009 agrofirm in Kharkiv region. The native breed is created in conditions of resource-saving technology, which in the technological process does not provide for the use of premises, that is, close to the natural conditions.

The aim of this study was to monitor the Czech Aberdeen Angus population for backfat thickness (BT), musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MUSCLE) and live weight (LW) in relation to environmental and genetic conditions. In this study, we also wanted to display the potential for future inclusion of these parameters into national monitoring. Parameters of BT, MUSCLE and LW were measured at 120, 210, and 365 days of age in 769 Aberdeen Angus calves (417 bulls and 352 heifers) on seven farms. Statistical evaluation was performed in the SAS v9.3 software. The bulls achieved significantly higher (P < 0.01) weights and larger MUSCLE compared to the heifers, although the heifers had higher BT. The age of the dam at calving significantly influenced the growth ability of tested calves, but it did not influence BT nor MUSCLE. The nested effect of the year-season, farm and sire bulls (or genetic background) significantly affected LW, BT and MUSCLE of tested calves. The use of the same breeding bulls on different farms resulted in significant differences in growth parameters. Our results displayed the potential of nationwide monitoring of MUSCLE and BT of beef breeds, as official parameters of the beef performance testing in the Czech Republic. The inclusion of these globally used traits in the Czech breeding system would allow to predict breeding values for the Czech beef population. This would lead not only to general improvement of MUSCLE in the population, but also to the production of better breeding animals and slaughter animals with higher value.

Introduction. Aberdeen-Angus breed, selection achievement of United Kingdom, long time ago ceased to be merely a cultural heritage and became a global transcontinental obtainment in beef cattle breeding. Productive "attractiveness" of Aberdeen-Angus breed makes it a popular genetic resource in the cattle branch production. It causes the optimistic results of the statistical analysis of farm animal biodiversity for data of European EFABIS data base, according which the status of this breed can be defined as "not at risk". Ukrainian population of Aberdeen-Angus formed in 1961 by importing breeding stock from Canada and animals of compact small type of Scotland (1962) and the establishment of breeding plant at the research station "Vorzel" of Agrarian Academy of Ukraine. The modern breed area covers 11 regions of Ukraine. According to the State register of breeding subjects in animal breeding on 01.01.2016, the stock has 7637 controlled heads (including 3475 cows, 80 bulls) and concentrated in 23 breeding subjects. For a long time, the Principal breeding center of Ukraine engaged with breeding farms’ development and controlled the situation in the breed. At this institution base bulls were evaluated, semen was sampled and stored, information database of individual data was being formed and automated, breeding program were developed and plans for the bulls’ matching were formed. Currently low share of artificial insemination at 18%, lack of control of live bulls involvement in the matching campaign, limited activities of regional breeding associations on centralized bulls’ assessment resulted in irreversible changes in the genetic structure of Aberdeen-Angus population, phenotypic manifestation of which is the youngsters’ growth and development declining, low efficiency of feed conversion, cows’ milk production decreasing, impairment in reproductive quality, increased exterior faults’ and genetic anomalies level. One of the measures for improvement of breeding herds is individual evaluation of bulls, which can optimize the selection and matching of bulls for breeding stock for calves of high breeding value production. However, the re-orientation in consumer demand, incapability of internal market to ensure profitable beef production and breaks of export-import relations naturally led to a weakening of motivation for breeding bulls branch business and its state control. Thus, according to the technology of beef cattle breeding mainly with natural mating feasible is the realization of sires’ on their own performance evaluation initial phase directly at the base of breeding farms in accordance with "Instructions on beef bulls’ selection" and to perform the Ministry of Agriculture Order N154 on 13.04.2016 on the approving of the "Procedure of sires’ breeding value determination by pedigree, their own performance, and progeny quality testing." Analyzing the quantitative and qualitative indices of economic activity we’ve found that one of the prospective objects for future beef bull evaluation is breeding farm "Buffalo" of Manevychi district, Volyn region. There are 850 Aberdeen-Angus dams (cows, heifers), evaluation power of the farm gives the possibility to evaluate simultaneously more than 400 animals. So, the aim of this paper is the analysis of Aberdeen-Angus bulls’ evaluation on their own performance results. Materials and methods of research. The study engaged 30 Aberdeen Angus breeding bulls of "Buffalo" farm. The selection of animals for evaluation was performed at the 210 days’ age with previously conducted individual analysis of their growth during suckling period, using the materials of electronic information database "ORSEK-M". At the time of evaluation diet of growing calves presupposed gain getting not below 1200 g per day. Analysis of the growth and development of youngsters was done by the results of monthly weighing during the period from 8 to 12 months. Key bull’s measurements was taken at 12 months’ age. The evaluation was carried out according to Regulation "Instruction on beef bull selection". Statistical data processing was performed, using the Microsoft Excel software. Results. Algorithms of determination and calculation of selection indices for evaluation of beef animals are chosen by representative organizations and approved at the level of each state. For countries participating INTERBULL (INTERBEEF) bulls’ evaluation results are converted to a common information data base on which the matching and comparison of data for further use in the breeding work correction. The main features taken into account in the assessment of the breeding value are share of pure blood, live weight at different ages, the intensity of growth for average daily gains, exterior parameters (body measurements, linear features), milk production, calving ease, temperament (for some breeds, such as Charolais), term of economic use, sperm productivity indices and others. According to international recommendations EBV and EPD indices are calculated, which define contribution weight of each feature into integrated breeding value of an animal. Under the current law of Ukraine, the evaluation of beef animals is done with the definition of an integrated class at appraisal, bulls are evaluated by index A – own performance, B – quality of progeny. The main results of sires’ evaluation were obtained during the process of native beef breeds creation. In the course of our studies we’ve initially selected bulls of Aberdeen-Angus breed, taking into account the indices of their individual growth till 7-months’ age. Totally there were selected sons of 7 Aberdeen-Angus bulls, including 5 native and 2 of German selection. Native bulls were of Wright Iver 9251195, BV Vinton 1342, Sauthoma Extra 715968, V.B.M. Henri 158013 lines. At 210 days’ age the average live weight of calves was 228,03 ± 6,750 kg, the average daily gain – 964,1 ± 30,881 g. Coefficient of variation for average daily gain at 17.5% reflects both the individual differences in eating behaviour of the researched calves during suckling and the differences in their mothers’ milk production and nutritional value of milk. The average live weight of animals evaluated at 12 months was 389,3 ± 8,35 kg, average daily gain when growing – 1114,47 ± 34,208 g. The coefficients of variability of these traits are under 11.5% and 16.8% accordingly. Average live weight at weaning and at 12 months’ age exceeded its corresponding values, determined due to the minimum requirements for live weight of beef calves to reach the complex class "elite" and "elite-record." Phenotypic features of farm animals’ body built are the indicators of species’ and breeds’ specificity and individual characteristics of the organism, the totality of which forms the parametric basis for primary estimation of genetic potential of productivity. Expressiveness, harmony and age matching of body parts outline a general picture of individual growth and development and reflect the level of balanced nutrition and optimal technology accepted as a whole. At the group studied the bull's average height in rump at the age of 12 months was 115,70 ± 0,622 cm with a coefficient of variation 2.9%. Chest girth is 158,33 ± 1,18 cm with variability 1.2%. Average body length was 126,63 ± 1,162 cm with a coefficient of variation 5.0%. Testicular circumference, as one of the evaluation parameters of bull reproductive system, was 31,10 ± 0,564 cm with a coefficient of variability 9.9%. Thus, among the recorded traits, the largest variability was indicated on live weight, average daily gain and scrotal circumference. The least variability was indicated on rump height and chest girth. Average value of complex selection index on all the researched bulls is 100,5 ± 0,9. According to the positions of Instructions, 14 calves with complex selection index above 100.0 may be allowed for further use as at the herds with natural mating, so put for assessment on sperm productivity at the State Enterprise "Volynian regional agricultural production enterprise on breeding business in animal breeding." This will allow to re-new the genetic material store from native valued representatives of the Aberdeen-Angus breed and partially restore local control over the use of sires in breeding herds as well as in households. Therefore, it is feasible to continue similar research involving a larger number of animals, to consider the power of influence of mother genotype and conduct further evaluation of sires of Aberdeen-Angus breed on performance of their sons and daughters. Conclusions. In similar conditions of feeding and management the realization of the genetic potential of productivity of Aberdeen-Angus bulls is different. The given results are the first step in the organization of systematic evaluation of sires’ breeding value, analysing of inheritance of key traits of growth and development of animals and rationalization of the use of genetic resources of the breed in general and reduction in cost per unit of production in live and carcass weight.

We predict the stability of breeding values (BVs) for direct effect (DE) and maternal effect (ME) for live weights at 210 days of age in the entire population of purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle in the Czech Republic according to an increase of progeny number in performance recording over a period of 11 years (1997 to 2007) and the course of BVs for DE and ME during the years of observation in animals born until 1997.  Furthermore we compare genetic trends of BVs for DE and ME among animals born in different years and detect the level and significance of correlation coefficients among predictions of BVs for DE and ME performed during the years of observation. The animal model and the BLUPF90 programme were used for these predictions. The used model included the effects of animal, sex, contemporary group, dam, age of dam, and permanent environment of dam. The variance of BVs ranged from 4.96 to 10.87 depending on the year of evaluation and whether it was related to maternal or direct genetic effect. The animals were initially assigned to groups according to their BV in 1997, and this ranking was not affected by the BVs predicted in subsequent years. The existence of a negative correlation between direct and maternal effects was confirmed. The significant correlations (P < 0.0001) demonstrated a strong relationship between the BVs predicted in successive years, e.g. the correlation coefficient for the relationship between BVs for direct effect predicted in the last years of the examined period was above 0.9 and that for maternal effect was above 0.8. 

Abstract. The use of specialized meat breeds in cattle breeding programs is considered very promising for improving herds' productivity. However, in animal genotype, along with genes that positively affect the productivity signs, there are genes whose mutations, known as genetic defects, negatively affect the health of animals. The aim of the study was the screening of the Russian populations of Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Belgian Blue cattle on gene mutations associated with the genetic defects of arthrogryposis multiplex (AM), osteopetrosis (OS), developmental duplication (DD), double muscling (M1), hypotrichosis (HY) and maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) as well as the F94L polymorphism of myostatin gene (MSTN) linked with the gene responsible for less fat content in the carcass by means of DNA analysis. In the article, test systems based on the polymerase chain reaction method are presented. The analysis of the Aberdeen Angus (n=4480) population has revealed 0.19 ± 0.09 % animal M1 carriers, 0.53 ± 0.03 % OS carriers, 1.92 ± 0.09 % AM carriers and 9.00 ± 0.20 % DD carriers. The genotyping of Hereford cattle of Russian populations (n=525) has not revealed any individual carriers of MSUD or HY genetic defects. All of the Belgian Blue population (n=92) animals were heterozygous M1 carriers. The study of the F94L MSTN polymorphism has demonstrated extremely high frequencies of the desirable A allele (0.93 and 0.90) in two Aberdeen Angus populations with an average mean of 0.63 ± 0.08, which was 32 % higher compared to the Belgian Blue population. The results suggest the high genetic potential of the Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue cattle, but the existence in the genotypes of the mutant alleles associated with hereditary diseases indicates the risk of uncontrolled use of these breeds.

A study to find additional reserves for expanding the breeding beef cattle base and improving methods for selecting parental pairswas carried out. The issues of technical approachwere considered to substantiate the milkingabilityaccording to the herd. It characterizes the development of calves in the suckling period and significantlydetermines the weaning weight and the possibility of selection according to this basis. The method for selection of sires of Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus breeds with forecasting of breeding value of the selected trait in the reproduced progeny is presented. The index (IBS index of bull selection) was calculatedaccording to the phenotypic characteristics of the sire's selected traitbyweaning live weight of at least 40 its offsprings (20 bulls + 20 heifers) and average milking yield of the breeding stock, their deviations in herd and from the indicator of the desired type. Studying the breeding qualities of the Hereford and Aberdeen Angus bulls made it possible to draw a conclusion about the expediency of obtaining animals in the studied herds from the sires with a selection index of not less than 106% and 105 depending on their breed and the level of productivity of the breeding stock.

Recent changes to beef production subsidy schemes in the UK has focussed attention on the fertility and reproductive output of suckler beef systems in an attempt to ensure future financial sustainability. Adoption of modern cattle breeding technologies may be more common in the future than they have been in the past as a result of this renewed focus on commercial profitability rather than subsidy reliance. However, relatively little information is available on the biological parameters encountered when modern breeding approaches are employed within commercial crossbred suckler beef management systems in the UK. Previous work (Penny, 2005) has detailed the development of either a triple or double synchronised artificial insemination (AI) programme suitable for use with both multiparous suckler cows and first calving heifers managed as a commercial spring calving suckler herd. The objective of the current report is to detail the effects of breed type and calf sex on average gestation length (GL) in first calving crossbred suckler replacement heifers when mated using a synchronised AI programme.

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of sex of calves, year of calving, cows’ parity and sire effect on growth ability to weaning. The evaluation of growth indicators of Aberdeen Angus cattle was performed in the period of 4 years (2010 to 2013) in 2 different farms. A total of 272 calves (bulls, n = 141; heifers, n = 131) were monitored. The indicators of live weight at birth, live weight at the age of 120 and 210 days, average daily gains from birth to 120 and 210 days of age were observed. Statistical software SAS 9.3 was used to analyze the results. The highest result growth parameters of calves were observed from cows on 3rd and 4th parity. In 2012 we observed the highest values of calves’ growth ability compare to others. In evaluating the sire effect differences (P < 0.05–0.01) were found mainly between the top three sires from the first evaluated herd (PAA240, ZAA562, ZAA595) and three sires from the second evaluated herd (ZAA675, ZAA697, ZAA762). The order of sires according to weight in 210 days of their offspring is then almost perfect reflection of the relative breeding values (RBV) for the direct effect of growth.

The results of researches in modern herds of meat breeds – classical British, Aberdeen-Angus and autochthonous gray Ukrainian for conducting of pollination in research farms “Polivanivka” of the Institute of Agriculture of Steppe Regions of NAAS of Ukraine and “Progress” of Chernihiv Institute of Agro-Industrial Production in 2009–2012. The ethological behavior of mothers (cows) and their calves was studied in the conditions of keeping and growing livestock on the technology of meat cattle breeding. Animals for conducting research were selected taking into account age, body weight of cows, sex calves, body weight of calves at birth. Collection of accounting materials was carried out according to the data of the primary technological and pedigree records, artificial insemination magazines, materials of ethological observations. Observations were conducted in accordance with the task of preserving genetic diversity in gene pool herds of Aberdeen-Angus and Gray Ukrainian breeds. The herds of animals in the experimental farms kept the meat keeping technology adopted by the farms. The feeding of breeding stock of animals of these breeds was carried out in accordance with established and accepted at experimental farms rations, which consisted of the presence and number of harvested at farms feed. Obtained materials indicate the plasticity and the ability to control the system reproduction reproductive population in modern economic conditions farms. Attention is paid not only to purely selective approaches, but also an attempt is made to substantiate the necessity of adapting breeding breeds to modern systems of economic relations. Knowledge of the ethology of Aberdin-Angus and gray Ukrainian breeds in the conditions of the forest-steppe and steppe zones of Ukraine will allow controlling the processes of reproduction of mother and repair animals in livestock breeding herds, as well as the conservation of genetic resources of aboriginal breeds.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of selection on the genome structure of beef cattle through identification of selection signatures reflecting the breeding standard of each breed and to discover potential functional genetic variants to improve performance traits. Genotyping data of six beef breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Charolais, Piedmontese and Romagnola) were used to perform genome-wide scans for selection signatures. The approaches applied were based on an assumption that selection leads to linkage disequilibrium or to a decrease of genetic variability in genomic regions containing genotypes connected with favourable phenotypes. Thus, the selection signatures were analysed based on Wright’s F_ST index, distribution of runs of homozygosity segments in the beef genome and determination of linkage disequilibrium variability between breeds. The number and length of detected selection signals were different depending on the breeds and methodological approaches. As expected due to the breeding goals of analysed breeds, common signals were located on autosomes 2, 6, 7, 13 and 20 close to the genes associated with coat colour (KIT, KDR), muscle development (GDF9, GHRH, GHR), double muscling (MSTN), meat tenderness (CAST) and intramuscular fat content (SCD). But, across the genomes of analysed breeds, unique selection signals were found as well. The subsequent analysis of those single nucleotide polymorphism markers can be beneficial for the genetic progress of studied breeds in future.

This work concerns the evaluation of noise pollution surroundings of the company in foothills the Šumava, which deal of cattle suckler. The base of this work is the noise measurements at selected sites and his evaluation. The part of this work is the questionnaire survey in the surrounding pastures.