Abstract:
The major factors significantly (P < 0.05) associated with mortality for potentially large numbers of calves included the specific production environment represented by site-year, low calf birthweight (more so than high birthweight) and horn status at branding. Almost all calf deaths post-branding (assessed from n = 8348 calves) occurred in calves that were dehorned, totaling 2.1% of dehorned calves and 15.9% of all calf deaths recorded.
At Nindooinbah we recommend the use of polled genetics
Kim L. BunterA,B,D, David J. JohnstonA,B, Matthew L. WolcottA,B and Geoffry FordyceA,C
A Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit1, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: kbunter2@une.edu.au