Productive performance of twin Friesian calves in Egypt

Abstract

The data from records of 1185 single and 58 twins of male and female Friesian calves were collected during the consecutive 8 years (1997-2004) at the Sakha Animal Production Research Station. The animals were used to study the effect of twinning on the live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and economic efficiency. Results revealed that the twining rate in dairy Friesian cows was 4.67% and the percentage of freemartins was 0.64%. The average live body weight and daily weight gain were significantly higher (P<0.05) for single compared to twin claves (430, 0.54 vs. 384, 0.49 kg, respectively). However, the sum of body weight and weight gain were significantly higher (P<0.05) for twins compared to single calves (768, 0.99 vs. 430, 0.54 kg, respectively). Feed conversion rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) for twin calves compared with single calves. The cost of daily feed intake, price of daily weight gain and cost/kg gain were significantly lower (P<0.05), while economic efficiency was significantly higher (P<0.05) for twins compared to single calves. The sum body weight and economic efficiency of twin calves increased by 79 and 25%, respectively, compared to single calves. The results show that twin calves have higher total body weight, total body weight gain, feed conversion rate and economic efficiency, whilst lower feed intake and feed cost compared with single calves. This is very important for increasing beef production in Egypt.