[Phenotypic characterization of Holsteins x Zebu F1 cows from different maternal bases]

ABSTRACT F1 Holstein x Zebu females from different maternal bases were characterized regarding coat, depigmentation and morphometric characteristics. A total of 266 F1 female progenies from the crossbreeding of 26 Holstein bulls with females of Zebu genetic composition were used: Gir, Nellore, Guzonel, Nellogir. Frequency distribution analysis was applied for qualitative characteristics and dispersion measures and central tendency for morphometric characteristics, and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Over 60.0% of the animals had a black coat. The cows that originated from the Gir breed had a head length of 2.8cm (P<0.05) higher than the Nellore females. Ear length varied (P<0.05) according to the maternal base used. Cows with Nelore genes were 5.0cm taller (P<0.05). The thoracic perimeter was the morphometric characteristic that had a high magnitude phenotypic correlation with weight, above 0.70, for the females of the Gir, Nellore and Nellogir maternal bases. The coat is not indicative of the maternal base used. F1 Gir-based cows had a smaller body structure than females with Nellore genes.