Blood cell profiles of steer progeny from parents selected for and against residual feed intake

• DOI: 10.1071/ea01098
• Publication Date: 2003-03-06T17:37:21Z
• Authors: E. C. Richardson; R. M. Herd; I. G. Colditz; J. A. Archer; P. F. Arthur
• Keywords: Residual feed intake; Feedlot; White blood cell; Sire; Beef Cattle

This study examined whether a single generation of divergent selection for residual feed intake was accompanied by differences in red and white blood cell parameters that could assist the early identification animals likely to perform well test intake. Two cohorts steer progeny born 1996 (n = 74) 1998 120) parents selected low (high efficiency) high (low were used. The steers grazed on pasture before feedlot entry subsequent test. Blood samples collected from cattle at day induction, all cattle, start, middle end their Statistically significant regressions between sire estimated breeding value count, haemoglobin level, haematocrit percentage monocytes measured over evidence genetic association these Of entry, only count (r –0.20, P<0.05) neutrophil –0.29, P<0.01) correlated with feedlot, none (P>0.05) Cell start not or It is doubtful sample taken can be used predict individual groups tests.