The aim of this study was to characterize different fertility groups and to evaluate differences of weight gain in the postpartum and maternal ability o Brangus Ibagé (5/8 Angus + 3/8 Nelore) cows. Data from 1145 calvings of 287 cows were computed, however, only 168 females with at least four calvings were considered. The cows were classified, according to the average of their calving interval records, in groups of low, medium and high fertility. Cow weight at parturition (WPAR), cow weight gain during the postpartum period (WGPP) and calf weight at weaning (W205) were evaluated. The means and respective standard errors of calving interval (CI) for the groups of high, medium and low fertility were 404.6 ± 5.44, 523.5 ± 4.77 and 711.2 ± 20.89 days, respectively. No statistical differences were observed among groups, regarding the WPAR, WGPP and W205. Heifers presented lower WPAR (P<0.001) than cows but the WGPP was similar for all groups. The year effect was significant (P<0.001) for WPAR and W205, but not for WGPP. The results suggest that the classification of the cows in different fertility groups doesn't result in differences in the beef productive traits, indicating that the differences in fertility can be a result of differential genotypes unrelated to milk production.
beef cattle; maternal ability; reproductive performance
