Genetic evaluation of coat type for Australian Angus

Abstract

<p>Animals with sleeker coats are commonly considered to have better heat tolerance, tick resistance, and a lower incidence of dags in feedlot environments. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for coat type traits and to estimate genetic correlations between coat type and scan and carcass weight traits using single-step methods. Two coat type traits were defined based on the month of scoring where scores recorded in April to October were considered as coat type 1 (CT1) and those recorded in November to March were categorized as coat type 2 (CT2). The coat type traits were moderately heritable, and the heritability of CT1 (0.36 ± 0.04) was higher than CT2 (0.32 ± 0.03). Genetic correlations between coat type traits and steer and heifer ultrasound scan traits (eye muscle area, intramuscular fat) were either low to moderate in strength, but favourable in direction. The outcomes of this study suggest selection for sleeker coat type is possible without any associated detrimental effect on scan and carcase traits.</p>