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Possible tendency of polled cattle towards larger ears.

Authors :
Parés-Casanova, Pere M.
Caballero, Marta
Source :
Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias. 2014, Vol. 27 Issue 3, p221-225. 5p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Background: the anatomy and physiology of bovid horns are consistent with their thermoregulatory function. Objective: to evaluate a possible correlation between ear and horn size, as key factors for body thermoregulation. Methods: measurements of horns (length and perimeter) and ears (length and width) were obtained from forty-six Pyrenean Brown (Bruna dels Pirineus) beef calves. The sample was randomly distributed between horned (n=34) and polled (n=12) animals, aged 332 ± 56 days. Results: a negative correlation between ear and horn size was observed (p<0.05) and the multivariate clustering demonstrated a tendency of polled animals towards bigger ear size. Conclusions: according to these results, horns and ears contribute to thermoregulation; this function is not therefore solely a function of big or small horns, as has normally been stated to be the case. Although the sample is small, results would indicate an interesting hypothesis for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01200690
Volume :
27
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
97368311
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.324895