Genetic correlation between growth and reproductive performance of beef females depends on environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário L. Santana Jr ◽  
Joanir P. Eler ◽  
Annaiza B. Bignardi ◽  
Arione A. Boligon ◽  
José B. S. Ferraz
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Environment Interaction

In tropical production systems, beef cattle are raised in highly heterogeneous environments. Heterogeneity is, therefore, expected to exist in the (co)variance components for traits of economic interest in different production environments. The main objective of the present study was to estimate genetic correlations between growth traits and reproductive performance of beef females, depending on the environment. The present study was conducted in the tropical region of Brazil, applying a multiple-trait random regression animal model to field records of heifer pregnancy (HP), hip height, bodyweight at ~18 months of age (BW18) and postweaning weight gain (PWG) from 20 893 Nelore females. As evidence of genotype by environment interaction (G × E), heterogeneity of genetic variance across environments was observed mainly for HP, PWG and BW18. Moreover, the estimates of genetic correlation within these traits reached values lower than unity on the environmental gradient. The genetic correlation among growth traits tended to be stronger in favourable environments, a fact that should favour correlated responses under these conditions. In contrast, the genetic correlations between growth traits and HP tended to become weaker and even exhibited little evidence of antagonism in more favourable environments. On the basis of these findings, selection for higher growth in extreme favourable environments should result in little or no damage to HP as a correlated response. All these results lead us to believe that the G × E is an important factor to be considered in genetic evaluations of beef cattle raised in tropical environments.

scholarly journals Genotype by Environment Interaction in Pinus sylvestris L. in Southern Sweden

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hannrup ◽  
G. Jansson ◽  
Ö. Danell
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Genotype By Environment Interaction ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Southern Sweden ◽  
Genotype By Environment

Abstract To estimate the amount of genotype by environment interaction (G x E) data was obtained within the Swedish breeding program of Pinus sylvestris L. The calculations were based on estimates of G x E expressed by the genetic correlations across trials. In total, 66 progeny trials were included coming from 17 different test series. The number of parents tested per progeny trial was in average 52. Some parents were tested in several series and in total 812 parents were represented in the study. The results of our study showed that the amount of G x E for growth traits in Pinus sylvestris in southern Sweden was low. The median genetic correlation across trials for height, height increment and diameter were in the range 0.75-0.80 and the pattern of interaction was largely unpredictable from site differences in site index, latitude, longitude and altitude.

Genetic and phenotypic relationships between insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and net feed intake, fat, and growth traits in Angus beef cattle

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Moore ◽  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
H-U. Graser ◽  
R. Herd
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Factor I ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Igf I

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration measured in the blood plasma of 6520 seedstock Angus beef cattle (3622 bulls and 2898 heifers) from eastern Australia between 2002 and 2004 was used to estimate the heritability of IGF-I and phenotypic and genetic correlations with net feed intake (NFI) and other production traits. The average concentration of IGF-I was 314 ng/mL measured at the average age of 242 days. A moderate heritability of 0.35 was estimated for IGF-I. IGF-I was further defined as being measured either at, or prior to, weaning (average age of 201 days) or post-weaning (average age 310 days). The genetic correlation between IGF-I recorded at the different ages was 1.0 ± 0.04. IGF-I and NFI were found to have a genetic correlation of 0.41 ± 0.21. IGF-I had positive genetic correlations of 0.22 ± 0.14, 0.19 ± 0.14, and 0.26 ± 0.15 with ultrasound-scanned subcutaneous fat depth at the rump (P8) and 12/13th rib (RIB) sites and intramuscular fat % (IMF), respectively. Corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.14, 0.13, and 0.12, respectively, for P8, RIB, and IMF. IGF-I had low to moderate negative genetic correlations with growth traits. Direct genetic correlations for IGF-I of –0.22 ± 0.08, –0.17 ± 0.09 and –0.10 ± 0.14 were estimated with birth (BWT), 200-day (WT200), and 400-day (WT400) weights, respectively. Genetic correlations between the direct component of IGF-I and maternal components of BWT and WT200 were 0.15 ± 0.13 and 0.31 ± 0.11, respectively. Phenotypic correlations of the direct component of IGF-I with the direct components of BWT, WT200, and WT400 were –0.10, 0.06, and 0.16, respectively. Ultrasound-scanned eye muscle area (EMA) and IGF-I had genetic and phenotypic correlations of –0.22 ± 0.15 and 0.13, respectively. This study showed that IGF-I is heritable and genetically correlated with important production traits. The genetic correlations indicate that selection for lower IGF-I concentrations would result in cattle that have lower NFI (i.e. more feed efficient), are leaner, with increased growth, and possibly decreased maternal weaning weight.

Breeding for improved growth and juvenile corewood stiffness in slash pine

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 1886-1893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Li ◽  
Dudley A. Huber ◽  
Gregory L. Powell ◽  
Timothy L. White ◽  
Gary F. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Tree Improvement ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Narrow Sense Heritability ◽  
Improvement Programs

The importance of integrating measures of juvenile corewood mechanical properties, modulus of elasticity in particular, with growth and disease resistance in tree improvement programs has increased. We investigated the utility of in-tree velocity stiffness measurements to estimate the genetic control of corewood stiffness and to select for trees with superior growth and stiffness in a progeny trial of 139 families of slash pine, Pinus elliottii Engelm. grown on six sites. Narrow-sense heritability estimates across all six sites for in-tree acoustic velocity stiffness at 8 years (0.42) were higher than observed for height (0.36) and diameter at breast height (DBH) (0.28) at 5 years. The overall type B genetic correlation across sites for velocity stiffness was 0.68, comparable to those found for DBH and volume growth, indicating that family rankings were moderately repeatable across all sites for these traits. No significant genetic correlations were observed between velocity stiffness, DBH, and volume growth. In contrast, a significant, but small, favorable genetic correlation was found between height and velocity stiffness. Twenty percent of the families had positive breeding values for both velocity stiffness and growth. The low cost, high heritability and nearly independent segregation of the genes involved with in-tree velocity stiffness and growth traits indicate that acoustic methods can be integrated into tree improvement programs to breed for improved corewood stiffness along with growth in slash pine.

scholarly journals Genetics of adaptive traits in heifers and their relationship to growth, pubertal and carcass traits in two tropical beef cattle genotypes

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 413 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Prayaga ◽  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
M. L. Wolcott ◽  
G. Fordyce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Association ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Coat Colour ◽  
Economic Traits ◽  
Adaptive Traits ◽  
Condition Score

Genetic analyses of tropical adaptive traits were conducted for two tropically adapted genotypes, Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP). Traits included tick scores (TICK), faecal egg counts (EPG), buffalo fly-lesion scores (FLY), rectal temperatures under hot conditions (TEMP), coat scores (COAT), coat colour on a light to dark scale (COLOUR), navel scores (NAVEL) and temperament measured as flight time (FT). The data comprised adaptive measures recorded at specific times on 2071 heifers comprising 966 BRAH and 1105 TCOMP. The genetic correlations of these adaptive traits with heifer growth, scanned carcass, pubertal measures and steer growth and carcass traits were estimated. BRAH recorded significantly (P < 0.05) lower TICK, EPG, FLY and TEMP than did TCOMP. BRAH also had significantly sleeker coats, lighter coat colour, more pendulous navels and more docile temperament than did TCOMP. The heritability of TICK and FLY was low (<20%), that of EPG, TEMP, NAVEL and FT was moderate (20–50%) and that of COAT and COLOUR high (>50%). In general, phenotypic correlations between these adaptive traits were low and genetic correlations were non-significant, implying trait independence. Genetic correlations between EPG and weight traits (0.29 to 0.44) indicated a positive relationship, implying no deleterious effect of worms on the growth at a genetic level, especially in TCOMP. The negative genetic correlations between COAT and body-condition score across genotypes (–0.33 to –0.48) indicated genetic advantage of sleek coats in tropics. A positive genetic correlation between COAT and the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (0.73) in BRAH indicated that BRAH with sleeker coats were genetically early maturing. Further, sleeker coats were genetically indicative of lower weights and lower fat cover at puberty in BRAH. The scanned fat measures at rump and rib sites for feedlot steers showed strong genetic correlation (0.50–0.58) with heifer TEMP, indicating genetically fatter animals had genetically lower heat tolerance. In BRAH, a positive genetic association between heifer COLOUR and scanned fat measures in steers (0.50–0.54) implied increased fatness in genetically darker animals. Further, in BRAH, a strong negative genetic correlation (–0.97) was observed between steer retail beef yield and heifer TEMP, indicating a favourable genetic association. In general, genetic correlations between adaptive traits and other economic traits were genotype specific. Further, it can be concluded that selection for productive and pubertal traits in tropical beef cattle genotypes would not adversely affect their tropical adaptability.

scholarly journals Genetic evaluation of growth traits in beef cattle using random regression models

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
FWC Neser ◽  
JB Van Wyk ◽  
MD Fair ◽  
P Lubout
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
Random Regression

scholarly journals 209 Genomic selection for multiple maternal and growth traits in large white pigs using Single-Step GBLUP

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 42-42
Author(s):  
Breno Fragomeni ◽  
Zulma Vitezica ◽  
Justine Liu ◽  
Yijian Huang ◽  
Kent Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Computing Time ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Genomic Information ◽  
Genomic Evaluation ◽  
Large White ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The objective of this study was to implement a multi-trait genomic evaluation for maternal and growth traits in a swine population. Phenotypes for preweaning mortality, litter size, weaning weight, and average daily gain were available for 282K Large White pigs. The pedigree included 314k individuals, of which 35,731 were genotyped for 45K SNPs. Variance components were estimated in a multi-trait animal model without genomic information by AIREMLF90. Genomic breeding values were estimated using the genomic information by single-step GBLUP. The algorithm for proven and young (APY) was used to reduce computing time. Genetic correlation between proportion and the total number of preweaning deaths was 0.95. A strong, positive genetic correlation was also observed between weaning weight and average daily gain (r = 0.94). Conversely, the genetic correlations between mortality and growth traits were negative, with an average of -0.7. To avoid computations by expensive threshold models, preweaning mortality was transformed from a binary trait to two linear dam traits: proportion and a total number of piglets dead before weaning. Because of the high genetic correlations within groups of traits, inclusion of only one growth and one mortality trait in the model decreases computing time and allows for the inclusion of other traits. Reduction in computing time for the evaluation using APY was up to 20x, and no differences in EPD ranking were observed. The algorithm for proven and young improves the efficiency of genomic evaluation in swine without harming the quality of predictions. For this population, a binary trait of mortality can be replaced by a linear trait of the dam, resulting in a similar ranking for the selection candidates.

scholarly journals 36 Matching cow’s genetics to the environment using genomics

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 34-34
Author(s):  
Jared E Decker ◽  
Troy N Rowan ◽  
Sara Nilson ◽  
Harly J Durbin ◽  
Camila U Braz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Local Adaptation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Substitution Effects ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Functional Variants ◽  
Genomic Predictions

Abstract Cattle poorly adapted to their environment result in lost revenue and jeopardize the stability of the food supply. Genomic data now allows us to rigorously analyze adaptations and avoid the generation of animals that will not thrive. We used selection scans for local adaptation, genotype-by-environment genome-wide association analyses, creation of hair shedding genomic predictions and environmental region-specific genomic predictions of growth traits to characterize and predict local adaptation in beef cattle. Analyzing ~40,000 cattle from three breed associations with ~850,000 high-accuracy imputed SNPs, we used novel selection mapping methods to identify genomic loci responsible for adaptation. We identify 19 different loci (harboring 24 annotated genes) as responding to selection to local adaptation. In cooperation with 74 producers across the United States, over 12,000 cattle were scored on a scale of 1–5 for the early-summer hair shedding phenotype in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Participating cattle were genotyped using the GGP-F250 SNP panel developed by the University of Missouri, which contains ~170,000 candidate functional variants and ~30,000 variants in common with beef cattle industry standard genotyping assays. Genomic breeding values were generated with a repeated records model using these phenotypes. Further, we identified loci with large allele substitution effects for hair shedding. When local adaptations exist, ranking animals using a regional genetic evaluation will be different from national cattle evaluations. We developed region-specific genomic predictions using a multivariate model in which phenotypes from different regions were fit as separate dependent variables. Genetic correlations between regions were moderate, indicating substantial re-ranking between environmental regions. These genomic predictions will allow rapid identification of cattle best suited to an environment.

Genetic parameters for calf mortality and correlated cow and calf traits in tropically adapted beef breeds managed in extensive Australian production systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim L. Bunter ◽  
David J. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Maternal Effects ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Calf Survival ◽  
Calf Mortality

The genetic associations between cow teat and udder traits with maternal contributions to calf mortality were studied in Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP) cattle managed in extensive production systems of northern Australia. Data from 9286 purebred and crossbred calves, progeny of 2076 cows and 149 sires, were recorded from 2003 to 2011. Calf weights at birth (BWT) and weaning (WWT) were routinely recorded. The event of calf death before weaning (DWEAN) was analysed as a repeated-measure of the cow. Cows were also scored at each calving for front- and back-teat size and udder size (US) on an ascending five-point scale. Heritabilities for front-teat size, back-teat size and US were 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.31 ± 0.05 and 0.49 ± 0.01, and estimates were the same for BRAH and TCOMP. The heritability of DWEAN was higher in BRAH (0.09 ± 0.02) than in TCOMP (0.02 ± 0.01). Variance ratios for maternal genetic effects contributing to variation in BWT and WWT were 0.13 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.05, and tended to be larger in TCOMP than in BRAH. Teat and udder scores were moderately correlated phenotypically (0.37 ± 0.01) and genetically (0.53 ± 0.04) with each other. Both traits were uncorrelated genetically with calf birthweight but positively correlated with WWT and DWEAN. The genetic correlation between average teat score at calving and DWEAN was larger (0.54 ± 0.05) than that between US and DWEAN (0.33 ± 0.06), whereas the genetic correlation between US and maternal effects for WWT was larger (0.60 ± 0.08) than the corresponding value for average teat score with maternal WWT (0.37 ± 0.13). Correlations between BWT and WWT were high for both direct (0.63 ± 0.07) and maternal (0.50 ± 0.09) genetic effects. Genetic correlations between maternal effects for BWT or WWT with DWEAN were both negative (–0.23 ± 0.10 and –0.21 ± 0.04), while the correlation between BWT and WWT for maternal effects was positive (0.54 ± 0.09), showing that larger calves at birth are less likely to die before weaning and have heavier weaning weights from maternal genetic contributions to these traits. Selection on maternal components of BWT and WWT should be accompanied by recording for teat and udder characteristics to assist in preventing any undesired correlated response in teat or udder size, which can have detrimental outcomes for calf survival, despite expectations of higher milk yield.

Genetic relations and indirect response to selection based on indices for scrotal circumference, visual scores and weight gain in beef cattle

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Boligon ◽  
P. P. Farias ◽  
V. M. Roso ◽  
M. L. Santana ◽  
A. B. Bignardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Indirect Response ◽  
Genetic Gains ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Selection For

Genetic improvement in beef cattle involves evaluation for fertility, growth, carcass and visual scores traits. In general, genetic and economic parameters of these traits are considered for selection index construction. The present study was conducted to establish the magnitude of genetic and phenotypic correlations between visual scores of conformation, precocity and muscling at weaning and at yearling, birth to weaning weight gain, weaning to yearling weight gain and yearling scrotal circumference, and between these traits with selection indices applied in this population. In addition, the expected gains were obtained in such traits by taking under consideration the adopted selection criteria based on indices. Positive and high genetic correlations were estimated between weaning traits (visual scores and weight gain), ranging from 0.70 ± 0.02 to 0.97 ± 0.01. In genetic terms, the same visual scores, but evaluated in two ages (weaning and yearling) showed positive and high associations, with values of 0.90 ± 0.01 (conformation), 0.88 ± 0.01 (precocity) and 0.84 ± 0.02 (muscling). Genetic associations between yearling visual scores with scrotal circumference and weaning to yearling weight gain ranging from 0.36 ± 0.02 to 0.53 ± 0.01. Using the weaning index, are expected genetic gains ranging from 0.26% to 0.70%/year of the phenotypic mean of each weaning trait. Using the yearling index, annual genetic gains estimated for weaning traits (ranging from 0.25% to 0.63% of the phenotypic mean of the trait) were lower than that obtained at yearling (ranging from 0.27% to 0.98% of the phenotypic mean of the trait). Selection for one of traits obtained at weaning should result, by correlated response, in gain for the others. Also, the choice of animals with higher breeding values for weaning visual scores, beyond anticipate the selection process, should lead to favourable changes in these traits at yearling. Selection for better body composition at yearling (higher scores) should provide increase in scrotal circumference and weight gain. The use of higher values of the indices should result in positively correlated response, but in different magnitudes for each trait used in these indices. However, in both weaning and yearling, higher genetic gains to visual scores are expected in the same period, when the selection is based on the values of these indices.

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