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Title: Breed group effects for chute exit velocity as an indicator trait for temperament in weaner cattle

Author
item THOMAS, L - Arkansas State University
item BROWN, HAYDEN - Arkansas State University
item JOHNSON, B - Arkansas State University
item Coleman, Samuel
item ELZO, MAURICIO - Florida State University
item DEROUEN, SIDNEY - Louisiana State University
item FRANKE, DON - Louisiana State University
item WYATT, WAYNE - Louisiana State University
item VANN, RHONDS - Missouri State University
item HANSEN, GARY - North Carolina State University

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2012
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Abstract only

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine breed group differences in chute exit velocity (CEV) in weaner cattle (n=3176). Data were collected in 2004 through 2008 under procedures of objective 3, Southern Regional Research project S1013 with the following states contributing data: FL, LA, and MS. Chute exit velocity was the time required for a calf to traverse 1.8 m when released from the working chute. Chute exit velocity was calculated as (velocity = distance (m)/time (s)). Included were Angus (A), Braford (BF), Brangus (BN), Brahman (B), Charolais (C), Hereford (H), Romosinuano (R), Commercial (X) and 2-and 3-way crosses of these groups. Data were analyzed by location with ANOVA and a model with terms for an overall mean, year, breed, calf gender where applicable, calf age, dam age, and error. Calf age and dam age were covariates. At Brooksville, FL, CEV did not differ (P = 0.42) among breed types involving A, B, and R breeds. At Marianna, FL, breed group affected (P < 0.10) mean CES; A was similar (P > 0.05) to CA, CBN, BN and AB; B was similar (P > 0.05) to ABN, AB, BN, CBN, and CA. At Baton Rouge, LA, mean CEV was affected (P < 0.01) and B had greater (P < 0.05) mean CEV when compared to A and BF, whereas BF had lesser (P < 0.05) mean CEV than A and B. Breed types (A and BN) did not differ (P = 0.32) in mean CEV at Iberia, LA. At Raymond, MS, mean CEV was affected (P = 0.03) by breed type, but AX (lowest value) did not differ (P > 0.05) from AB, BNX, and A. The HX (highest value) was similar (P > 0.05) to BNX, AB and A for mean CEV. Breed type-differences for CEV has potential for among breed selection for temperament in weaner cattle.