January 2022

Estimates of covariance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in Tswana cattle selected for increased weaning or eighteen-month weights

The objective of this study is to estimate variance-covariance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in Tswana cattle. Genetic analyses for average daily gain (ADGs) and growth traits were conducted using 7223 records of animals which were born between 1996 and 2013 from 1662 dams and 188 sires in 54 contemporary groups. Both univariate and bivariate animal models were used. Heritability estimates for...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, and S. D. Mulugeta  

January 2022

Analysis of environmental and genetic factors influencing reproductive traits and calf survival to weaning in Tswana cattle selected for early growth traits

The objective of this study was to determine the environmental and genetic factors affecting reproductive traits and calf survival from birth to weaning in Tswana breed of cattle. Analyses of environmental and genetic effects for calf survival traits were done using 7223 records of animals which were born between 1996 and 2013 from 1659 dams and 188 sires in 54 contemporaries. Analyses of environmental and genetic...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, and S. D. Mulugeta  

February 2022

Environmental and genetic components influencing mature cow weight in Tswana cattle selected for early growth traits

The objective of this study was to determine the environmental and genetic factors influencing mature cow weight (MCW) trait in Tswana cattle breed. Analyses of environmental and genetic effects for mature cow weight trait were performed using 19301 records of Tswana cows born between 1996 and 2010 from 610 dams and 137 sires in 54 contemporaries. Mature cow weight trait was analysed using repeatability model. The...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile , , S. D. Mulugeta ,  E. Rakwadi ,  P. Kemoreng, T. M. Sebolai, , K. E. Ravhuhali , and O. Mojanaga  

February 2022

Phenotypic response to mass selection for weaning weight and 18-month weight in Tswana cattle

The objectives of this study were to identify the environmental factors that influenced growth traits and to evaluate phenotypic response of growth traits to selection at weaning (S1) and 18 months of age (S2) in Tswana cattle. Phenotypic analysis for average daily gains (ADGs) and growth traits were conducted using 7226 records of animals, which were born between 1995 and 2013 from 1662 dams and 188 sires in 54...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, , S. D. Mulugeta, U. Moreri, E. Rakwadi, O. Kgosikoma, P. Kemoreng, O. Mojanaga, and K.B. Chibana,