Comparative reproductive performance of Brahman and Santa Gertrudis cattle in a hot humid environment 2. Factors affecting calving interval

Abstract

SUMMARYOver a 15-year period 1011 calving intervals from 187 Brahman (B) cows and 687 calving intervals from 146 Santa Gertrudis (SG) were examined. Year of calving significantly affected intervals in both breeds. Season of calving and parity of dam were both important in SG. Longer intervals were seen in B than SG (437 v. 406 days). Repeatability of calving interval was low (< 0·02). The average life-time calving interval was significantly related to total calf production in that cows with shorter mean intervals had more calves in their lifetime.