Estimates of Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters in Beef Cattle

Estimates of Heritability of Beef Cattle Performance Traits by Regression of Offspring on Sire

“…Heritability of this magnitude indicates the considerable genetic improvement which ought to be possible through phenotypic selection for rate of gain. The estimate obtained in this study is higher than an average heritability value for gain in feedlot of 0.53 estimated by sire-offspring regression method that may be calculated from the reports of Knapp and Clark (1950), Knapp and Nordskog (1946), Carter andKincaid (1959), andChambers et al (1960).…”

“…This difference in estimates from the same body of data could be the result of sampling or of different methods of estimation. Carter and Kincaid (1959) reported 0.22 for heritability of feed conversion calculated from offspring-sire regression. Other estimates obtained by paternal half-sib procedures were 0.22 and 0.32 by Shelby et el.…”