Growth performance of an animal at various stages of the growth curve directly influences profitability in beef production systems (Newman and Coffey 1999). The expression of these traits is dependent on the animal’s inherent growth ability and production environment (Davis 1993). These traits directly influence carcass (Pariacote et al. 1998), reproductive and milk production traits (Burrow 2001). They also form the basis of selection in many of the genetic improvement programs due to their early expression and ease of measurement. .
