Genetic associations between accumulated productivity, and reproductive and growth traits in Nelore cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability, genetic and phenotypic associations, and genetic gains of birth (BW), weaning (WW), and yearling (YW) weights, loin muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BF), rump fat thickness (RF), scores of body structure (BS), finishing precocity (FS), and muscling (MS) in Nelore cattle. Genetic parameters were obtained through Bayesian inference using BLUPF90 programs. All studied traits showed genetic variability, with heritability ranging from 0.29 to 0.47. In all studied ages, weights presented positive genetic correlations with LMA (ranging from 0.13 to 0.53), being generally stronger in comparison with the other carcass traits analyzed (BF and RF). Similarly, weights were higher genetic associated with BS (0.47–0.92) than with FS (0.18–0.62) and MS (0.22–0.65), respectively. The BF and RF showed positive and moderate genetic associations with FS and MS (0.31–0.36). Genetic trends were significant (P < 0.05) and favorable for WW, YW, and visual scores. Selection for increasing BW, WW, YW, and LMA will result in modest or no change in BF and RF (correlated response ranging from −0.04 to 0.07 mm per generation). In this population, carcass traits must be included in the selection indexes to obtain genetic gains in carcass quality, if desired.

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Genetic associations between age at first calving and heifer body weight and scrotal circumference in Nelore cattle

Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics ◽

10.1111/j.1439-0388.2008.00791.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 126 (5) ◽

pp. 387-393 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

D.A. Grossi ◽

G.C. Venturini ◽

C.C.P. Paz ◽

L.A.F. Bezerra ◽

R.B. Lôbo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Genetic Associations ◽

Age At First Calving ◽

Scrotal Circumference ◽

Nelore Cattle

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0369 Genetic associations between milk production and growth traits in Guzerat breed

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.2527/jam2016-0369 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 94 (suppl_5) ◽

pp. 178-178

Author(s):

M. P. M. Gama ◽

H. T. Ventura ◽

M. Alencar Pereira ◽

L. El Faro ◽

C. C. P. Paz

Keyword(s):

Milk Production ◽

Growth Traits ◽

Genetic Associations

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Genetic improvement and population structure of the Nelore breed in Northern Brazil

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-204x2010001000009 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 45 (10) ◽

pp. 1109-1116 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Carlos Henrique Mendes Malhado ◽

Paulo Luiz Souza Carneiro ◽

Ana Claudia Mendes Malhado ◽

Raimundo Martins Filho ◽

Riccardo Bozzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Structure ◽

Genetic Variability ◽

Genetic Improvement ◽

Selective Breeding ◽

Growth Traits ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Pedigree Information ◽

Effective Number ◽

Northern Brazil ◽

Nelore Cattle

The objective of this work was to evaluate the population structure and the genetic and phenotypic progress of Nelore cattle in Northern Brazil. Pedigree information concerning animals born between 1942 and 2006 were analyzed. Population structure was performed using the Endog program. Out of the 140,628 animals studied, 67.7, 14.52 and 3.18% had complete pedigree record of the first, second and third parental generation, respectively. Inbreeding and average relatedness coefficients were low: 0.2 and 0.13%, respectively. However, these parameters may have been underestimated, since information on pedigree was incomplete. The effective number of founders was 370 and the genetic contribution of 10, 50 and 448 most influent ancestors explained 13.2, 28 and 50% of the genetic variability in the population, respectively. The genetic variability for growth traits and population structure demonstrates high probability of increasing productivity through selective breeding. Moreover, management strategies to reduce the currently observed age at first calving and generation intervals are important for Nelore cattle genetic improvement.

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