Hip girth and hip width of crossbreds of Belgian Blue and Friesian Holstein cattle
Lisa Praharani, Chalid Talib, Ferdy Saputra, Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum and Supardi Rusdiana

National Research Innovation Agency

Abstract

The introduction of Belgian Blue cattle is intended to increase beef production through crossbreeding with local Indonesian cattle. The objective of this study is to evaluate hip girth and hip width of crossbreds of Belgian Blue and Friesian Holstein. Data were collected from 27 crossbreds of Belgian Blue and Friesian Holstein raised under the same management. Parameters observed were hip girth and hip width at birth, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age. All data were analyzed using a general linear model with the SAS program. Results showed that the sex of crossbreds affected hip girth significantly at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age (P<0.05), with males having a larger hip girth than females (P<0.05). Across all age groups, the sex of crossbreeds had no effect on hip width (P>0.05). In conclusion, the sex of crossbreds of Belgian Blue and Friesian Holstein only influenced hip girth. This study can be used for breed evaluation of Belgian Blue and Friesian Holstein crossbreeds.

Keywords: Hip girth, hip width, Belgian Blue, crossbreeding, cattle

Topic: Animal Genetics, Breeding and Livestock Production