Lugo-Ruíz, Mariné

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A comparison of the reproductive efficiency of Senepol, and Charbray crossed cows and the pre-weaning growth of their progeny
(2019-07-10) Lugo-Ruíz, Mariné; Casas-Guernica, Américo; College of Agricultural Sciences; Gregory Crespo, Alexandra; Sánchez Rodríguez, Héctor L.; Domenech Pérez, Katherine I.; Department of Animal Science; Zapata Medina, Rocío
Senepol and Senepol crossbred genotypes have become some of the main beef cattle used in Puerto Rico. However, few studies have evaluated their reproductive efficiency on the island and their merit in breeding programs. The objective was to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of purebred Senepol and Senepol x Charbray crossbred cows by comparing pregnancy, calving and weaning rates along with calving, and weaning weight as well as weight loss during the pre-weaning period. Results showed that purebred Senepol cows performed as well as crossbred cows for pregnancy, calving and weaning rates. No significant differences were seen between the weight of cows at calving or at weaning for any of the genotypes. The lack of differences between the Senepol and the crossbred cattle suggest that the adaptation of the Senepol breed to tropical environments, and the intense selection on maternal traits, allows them to perform as well as crossbred genotypes.