Direct and maternal breed additive and heterosis effects on growth traits of beef cattle raised in southern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to compare growth from birth to slaughter of different breed groups that were raised in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and estimate the consequent breed additive and heterosis effects. Caracu (C), Hereford (H), and Nelore (N) sires were mated with Angus (A) dams, and A sires were mated with H and N dams to produce a first generation of crossbred progeny that was contemporary with purebred A, H, and N calves. Heifers from this first generation (G1) were mated with Brangus (BN) and Braford (BO) sires to produce a second generation (G2) of progeny.