Body size and conformation in identical twin cattle

Abstract

SUMMARYThe variation and covariation of 12 linear body measurements within 60 pairs of monozygotic twin heifers is analysed in terms of a twin's mean size over a two-year period.Possibly all the covariation, and two thirds, on average, of the variation can be accounted for by a single factor common to all the measurements.Interpretation of this factor shows that a twin is a more or less proportional replicate of its identical co-twin. This proportionality, however, is somewhat distorted because of relatively greater differences in the later maturing body parts.Finally it is shown that the predominant differences in both size and shape can simultaneously be described as twin lagging behind identical co-twin by 0±11·8 days' growth.