V. Growth of steers and heifers in different environments to 600 days of age

Abstract Data are reported for steer and heifer calves of 9 breeds and crosses after their rearing on South Auckland dairy farms in 4 years. Breed rankings were similar when calculated for steers, which were run on several grazing farms, and heifers, which were run together on one farm after 3–4 months of age. Charolais × Friesian steers and heifers were heavier than straight-bred Friesian at 600 days. The agreement between progeny tests on the two sexes was as expected taking into account group size and heritability, suggesting that on-farm progeny tests can be used successfully in the beef industry. Compensatory growth, after differential rearing, did not offset disadvantages in weight induced before weaning.