First estimates of covariance functions for lifetime growth of Angus cattle

Estimates of covariance functions for weights of Angus cattle from birth to 3000 days of age were obtained using Bayesian analysis. Data consisted of records in 69 herds with at least 50 mature cow weights, and records in 6 additional herds with 60% or more animals having at least four weights, 551,259 records on 197,915 animals in total. The model of analysis fitted contemporary groups and cubic regressions on orthoganal polynomials of age nested within sex, birth type, dam age class and lactation status as fixed effects. Random effects fitted were cubic and quartic regressions on orthogonal polynomials of age for animals' direct genetic and permanent environmental effects, and quadratic regressions, restricted to 0 to 600 days of age, for maternal genetic and environmental effects. Measurement error variances were modelled through a step function with 32 classes, yielding 69 covariance components to be estimated.