Performance in preweaning pure and crossbred calves in the Mato Grosso do Sul Pantanal region, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

ABSTRACT. Purebred and crossbred calves (n = 3,871) were selected that were born in the sub-region of the Pantanal of Aquidauana (Brazil), derived from Nellore, Brangus, Wagyu, and 1/2 Brangus + 1/2 Nellore cows, which were artificially inseminated by bulls of the Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus, Brangus, Nellore, and Wagyubreeds. Parameters such as weaning weight, daily gain from birth to weaning, and the number of days to gain 160 kg, were assessed inthese calves and phenotypic correlations between the traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two statistical models. The first model included sire breed effects, the genetic group of the cow, sex, year of birth (AN), birth season (EN), and the interaction AN * EN. The second model included the genetic group of the calf, sex, AN, EN, and the interaction AN * EN. The genetic group of the cow and calf and the interaction AN * EN did not significantly affect body weight (p < 0.05). The average weaning weights of progeny were as follows: Aberdeen Angus bulls, 177.70 ± 3.28 kg; Red Angus, 180.31 ± 3.46 kg; Brangus, 181.48 ± 3.15 kg; Nellore, 175.43 ± 3.60 kg; and Wagyu, 173.16 ± 2.96 kg.