Sources of Variation in the Birth Weight of Holstein-Friesian Calves

Differences between calves in Size at birth sometimes are used as an indication of differences between them in vigor, potentia ! growth rate, and mature size. If variations in the size of calves at birth are to be considered in selection or mating plans, knowledge of the relative importance o~ the various sources of this variability can be used for standardizing the nongenetic influences, predicting the progress from selection, and estimating the effects of inbreeding on birth weight. ~'IEW OF LItErATURe.