Which of the following traits has low heritability in beef cattle?

Which of the following traits has low heritability in beef cattle?

• A. Backfat thickness
• B. Calving interval
• C. Marbling
• D. Feed efficiency

Answer: (B)

The trait that has low heritability in beef cattle is calving interval. Heritability estimates refer to the proportion of observable variation in a trait that can be attributed to genetic factors within a population. Calving interval is influenced by various environmental factors, management practices, and individual animal behavior, which contributes to its low heritability. This means that improvements in this trait through selective breeding are less effective compared to traits with higher heritability.

Traits like backfat thickness, marbling, and feed efficiency tend to have higher heritability because they are more directly influenced by genetic factors, making them more amenable to improvement through breeding programs. Understanding the heritability of traits is crucial for breeders aiming to enhance specific characteristics in cattle populations effectively.