Introduction
Beef production is characterized by many breeds representing
a wide range of biological types for economic
traits. Effective utilization of breed differences depends
on complete characterization of straightbred and diverse
crosses for components of performance. Diverse
breeds are required to exploit heterosis and complementarity
through crossbreeding and to match genetic po-
1In memory of Dr. Claudia Gadini.
2Published as paper no. 13598, Journal Ser., Nebraska Agric. Res.
Div., Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908.
3Current address: Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad
Central de Venezuela, Apartado. 4563, Maracay 2101, Aragua, Venezuela.
4Correspondence: A218 Animal Sciences (phone: 402-472-6010;
fax: 402-472-6362; E-mail: dvan-vleck1@unl.edu).
Received January 4, 2002.
Accepted July 26, 2002.