Quantitative study of genetic gain for growth, carcass, and morphological traits of Nelore cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-306
Author(s):  
Daniel Duarte da Silveira ◽  
Lucas De Vargas ◽  
Rodrigo Junqueira Pereira ◽  
Gabriel Soares Campos ◽  
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Genetic Gains ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Nelore Cattle ◽  
Genetic Trends

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.

Genetic associations between mature size and condition score of Nelore cows, and weight, subjective scores and carcass traits as yearlings

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviane V. de Lacerda ◽  
Gabriel S. Campos ◽  
Daniel D. Silveira ◽  
Vanerlei M. Roso ◽  
Mario L. Santana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Mature Size

The size and body condition of female livestock is critical for improving production efficiency. However, we know little about how height and body condition score in mature beef cattle are genetically related to traits observed when the animals are younger. In the present study, we used data from 321650 Nelore cattle, first, to compare genetic parameters and breeding values on the basis of different models employing weight (MW), height (MH) and body condition score (BCS) of mature cows (3–17 years old). Next, we estimated the genetic correlations between the three traits and assorted yearling traits (YW, weight; YC; conformation score; YP, precocity score; YM, muscling score; YN, navel score; LMA, longissimus muscle area; BF, back fat thickness). Finally, we obtained the expected direct responses to selection for MW, MH and BCS of cows and correlated responses for these traits when the selection was applied to yearling traits. For MW and MH, single-trait Bayesian analyses were used to evaluate the effects of including BCS when defining contemporary groups (BCS included, CG1; BCS not included, CG2). For BCS trait, linear and threshold animal models were compared. After, bi-trait analyses that included MW, MH or BCS with yearling traits were performed. The CG1 scenario resulted in a higher heritability for MW (0.45 ± 0.02) than did CG2 (0.39 ± 0.02). Both scenarios yielded the same heritability estimates for MH (0.35 ± 0.02). Sires’ rank correlations between predicted breeding values under CG1 and CG2 were 0.60–0.92 for MW and 0.90–0.98 for MH, considering different selection intensities. Thus, only for MW genetic evaluations, the incorporation of BCS in the definition of the contemporary groups is indicated. For BCS trait, the same sires were selected regardless of the model (linear or threshold). Genetic correlations between MW and five yearling traits (YW, YC, YP, YM and YN) ranged from 0.18 ± 0.03 to 0.84 ± 0.01. The MH had a higher and positive genetic association with YW (0.64 ± 0.02) and YC (0.54 ± 0.03), than with YN (0.18 ± 0.03). However, MH was negatively and lowly genetically correlated with YP (–0.08 ± 0.03) and YM (–0.14 ± 0.03). The BCS had positive genetic associations with all yearling traits, particularly with YP (0.61 ± 0.06) and YM (0.60 ± 0.07). Mature size and carcass traits exhibited a low to moderate negative genetic correlations. However, BCS had positive genetic associations with LMA (0.38 ± 0.12) and BF (0.32 ± 0.14). Despite a shorter generation interval, selection at the yearling stage will result in a slower genetic progress per generation than does direct selection for cow MW, MH or BCS. Moreover, using YW and YC as selection criteria will increase cattle size at maturity without altering BCS. Last, LMA or BF-based selection will reduce mature size, while improving BCS, as a correlated response.

scholarly journals Associations between reproductive and carcass traits in Nellore

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6Supl2) ◽  
pp. 4423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edson Junior Heitor de Paula ◽  
Elias Nunes Martins ◽  
Carlos Antônio Lopes de Oliveira ◽  
Cláudio De Ulhoa Magnabosco ◽  
Roberto Daniel Sainz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Heritability Estimates

<p>The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and (co)variance of Nellore animals and to characterize the associations between these characteristics for the following carcass traits: weight (W), longissimus muscle area (LMA), rump fat thickness (RF) and fat thickness between the 12th and 13th ribs obtained by ultrasound (BF); also, the following reproductive traits: age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI), scrotal circumference at 450 and 550 days of age (SC450 and SC550). The genetic parameters were estimated by a single-trait and two traits animal model using Bayesian inference. The model used for all of the features included the genetic random effect and age as covariate assuming a quadratic effect. Additionally, sex, month and year of birth and management of creation and environmental effects identified were included for the carcass traits. For AFC, FCI and SC450 and SC550, we considered only the month and year of birth. The heritability estimates for all of the traits were higher in the two traits analysis, except for AFC and FCI, which showed 0.75 and 0.29, respectively, similar values in the single trait analysis. The two traits analyses resulted in heritability estimates for a posteriori for the features W, LMA, BF, RF, SC450 and SC550 of 0.49, 0.66, 0.74, 0.68 0.66 and 0.74, respectively, suggesting the possibility of genetic gains during a short period of time. The genetic correlations between AFC and carcass traits measured by ultrasound were close to zero. A similar trend was found for AFC, SC450 and SC550 days, indicating that the selection for these traits does not promote changes in AFC. High genetic correlations (0.92, 0.93 and 0.94) were observed between the characteristics LMA and W, BF and RF, and SC450 and SC550, respectively.</p>

scholarly journals Associations between reproductive and carcass traits in Nellore

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6Supl2) ◽  
pp. 4423
Author(s):  
Edson Junior Heitor de Paula ◽  
Elias Nunes Martins ◽  
Carlos Antônio Lopes de Oliveira ◽  
Cláudio De Ulhoa Magnabosco ◽  
Roberto Daniel Sainz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and (co)variance of Nellore animals and to characterize the associations between these characteristics for the following carcass traits: weight (W), longissimus muscle area (LMA), rump fat thickness (RF) and fat thickness between the 12th and 13th ribs obtained by ultrasound (BF); also, the following reproductive traits: age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI), scrotal circumference at 450 and 550 days of age (SC450 and SC550). The genetic parameters were estimated by a single-trait and two traits animal model using Bayesian inference. The model used for all of the features included the genetic random effect and age as covariate assuming a quadratic effect. Additionally, sex, month and year of birth and management of creation and environmental effects identified were included for the carcass traits. For AFC, FCI and SC450 and SC550, we considered only the month and year of birth. The heritability estimates for all of the traits were higher in the two traits analysis, except for AFC and FCI, which showed 0.75 and 0.29, respectively, similar values in the single trait analysis. The two traits analyses resulted in heritability estimates for a posteriori for the features W, LMA, BF, RF, SC450 and SC550 of 0.49, 0.66, 0.74, 0.68 0.66 and 0.74, respectively, suggesting the possibility of genetic gains during a short period of time. The genetic correlations between AFC and carcass traits measured by ultrasound were close to zero. A similar trend was found for AFC, SC450 and SC550 days, indicating that the selection for these traits does not promote changes in AFC. High genetic correlations (0.92, 0.93 and 0.94) were observed between the characteristics LMA and W, BF and RF, and SC450 and SC550, respectively.

scholarly journals PSIV-B-28 Late-Breaking: Performance and carcass quality of Nelore bull’s progenies with contrasting traits for precocity, growth and muscularity

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 319-321
Author(s):  
Taiane S Martins ◽  
Juliana Silva ◽  
Lenise Mueller ◽  
Tamyres Amorim ◽  
Annelise Aila G Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Nelore Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance and the carcass traits of Nelore cattle progenies from bulls selected by contrasting traits for precocity, growth and muscularity, through the Expected Progeny Difference (EPD). One hundred and five Nelore bulls (initial weight of 350kg±15kg) and 20 months of age were confined and fed with same diet (73% of concentrate). Thirty-two animals were selected to create the contrasting groups for precocity, growth and muscularity (16 animals assigned as a low EPD group - LEPD and 16 animals assigned as a high EPD group - HEPD), based on the EPD of their parents. The ribeye area and backfat thickness were performed by ultrasonography of 12–13th rib fat thickness and longissimus muscle area (LMA), as well as rump fat thickness (RF) measurements. Animals were harvested after 100 days and during the deboning, meat cuts were weight for cutting yield. The animals selected for the HEPD group had greater average daily gain (P = 0.006), which can be explained by the higher feed intake (P = 0.006). However, there are no difference between groups for the final body weight (P = 0.254) and feed efficiency (P = 0.715). The LEPD group presented higher dressing percentage (P = 0.028). Although the groups evaluated did not presented difference in LMA (P = 0.329) and weight of longissimus muscle (P = 0.480), the weight of rump displayed heaviest in the HEPD (P = 0.037). There was no difference between groups for RF (P = 0.086). Nevertheless, backfat thickness was higher in HEPD group (P = 0.006). The present study indicates that Nelore cattle progenies, with parents displaying higher potential for precocity, growth, and muscularity, show greater backfat thickness and weightiest of rump than the other genetic backgrounds. Thanks to FAPESP for the scholarship (Grant # 2017/02349–1).

scholarly journals Selection for higher body weight in Nelore cattle is effective in achieving an increase of longissimus muscle area without reducing subcutaneous fat thickness

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1426-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Roque Pinheiro ◽  
Maria Eugênia Zerlotti Mercadante ◽  
Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque ◽  
Sarah Figueiredo Martins Bonilha ◽  
Fábio Morato Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Nelore Cattle

Genetic correlations among indicator traits for carcass composition measured in yearling beef bulls and finished feedlot steers

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Bergen ◽  
S. P. Miller ◽  
J. W. Wilton
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Feedlot Steers ◽  
Beef Bulls

Genetic correlations were examined among 10 live growth and ultrasound traits measured in yearling beef bulls (n = 2172) and four carcass traits measured in crossbred finished feedlot steers (n = 1031). Heritabilities ranged from 0.13 (bull ultrasound longissimus muscle width) to 0.83 (yearling bull hip height). Genetic correlations indicated that selecting yearling bulls for increased growth rate and hip height would lead to higher carcass weight, increased longissimus muscle area and reduced levels of carcass marbling in steers. Bull ultrasound fat depth was positively associated with both carcass fat depth and marbling score. Most ultrasound longissimus muscle size measurements in bulls were positively associated with each other and with carcass longissimus muscle area in steers, but the magnitude of the genetic correlation with carcass measurements depended on the bull longissimus muscle size trait in question. This suggests that longissimus muscle shape in bulls may be related to carcass weight, fat and muscle traits in steers. Results confirm that while ultrasound is a valuable tool for the genetic improvement of carcass traits in beef cattle, genetic correlations between live bull ultrasound and steer carcass traits less then unity suggest that selection would benefit from multiple trait evaluations in situations where reliable carcass data are available. Key words: Ultrasound, beef carcass, heritability, genetic correlation

Genetic parameters among growth and carcass traits of Canadian Charolais cattle

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Crews ◽  
Jr., M. Lowerison ◽  
N. Caron ◽  
R. A. Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Muscle Area

Genetic parameters for three growth and five carcass traits were estimated for Charolais using a combination of carcass progeny test, purebred field performance and pedigree data. Heritabilities and genetic and residual correlations were derived from variance components for birth weight (BWT, n = 54 221), 205-d weaning weight (WT205, n = 31 384), postweaning gain (PWG, n = 19 403), hot carcass weight (HCW, n = 6958), average subcutaneous fat thickness (FAT, n = 6866), longissimus muscle area (REA, n = 6863), marbling score (MAR, n = 6903) and estimated carcass lean yield percentage (PLY, n = 6852) with an animal model (n = 78 728) and restricted maximum likelihood. Breed of dam and contemporary group appropriate to each trait were included as fixed effects in the model, whereas random effects included direct genetic for all traits, maternal genetic for BWT and WT205, and maternal permanent environmental for WT205. Carcass traits were adjusted to a constant harvest age of 425 d. Heritability estimates of 0.53, 0.22, and 0.21 were obtained for direct components of BWT, WT205, and PWG, respectively, and maternal heritabilities were 0.16 and 0.10 for BWT and WT205, respectively. Direct × maternal genetic correlations for BWT (-0.49) and WT205 (-0.35) were negative. Heritabilities for HCW, FAT, REA, MAR, and PLY were 0.33, 0.39, 0.43, 0.34, and 0.46, respectively. Genetic correlations among direct effects for growth traits were moderately positive and generally uncorrelated with maternal effects across traits. Lean and fat deposition in the carcass generally had negative, unfavorable genetic correlations, although improvement in lean yield and marbling score may not be strongly antagonistic. Genetic correlations of direct and maternal components of growth traits with carcass traits suggested that selection for increased growth rate would not be antagonistic to improvement in carcass yield or meat quality. Key words: Carcass, Charolais, correlation, genetic parameters, growth

scholarly journals Estimation of Genetic Correlations of Primal Cut Yields with Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Beef Cattle

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3102
Author(s):  
Masoumeh Naserkheil ◽  
Deukmin Lee ◽  
Kihoon Chung ◽  
Mi Na Park ◽  
Hossein Mehrban
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Genetic Progress ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Hanwoo Cattle

This study was carried out to estimate the variance components, heritability, and genetic correlations between the carcass traits and primal cut yields in Hanwoo cattle. Carcass traits comprising 5622 records included back fat thickness (BFT), carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), and marbling score (MS). The 10 primal cut yields from 3467 Hanwoo steers included the tenderloin (TLN), sirloin (SLN), striploin (STLN), chuck (CHK), brisket (BSK), top round (TRD), bottom round (BRD), rib (RB), shank (SK), and flank (FK). In addition, three composite traits were formed by combining primal cut yields as novel traits according to consumer preferences and market price: high-value cuts (HVC), medium-value cuts (MVC), and low-value cuts (LVC). Heritability estimates for the interest of traits were moderate to high, ranging from 0.21 ± 0.04 for CHK to 0.59 ± 0.05 for MS. Except genetic correlations between RB and other primal cut traits, favorable and moderate to high correlations were observed among the yields of primal cut that ranged from 0.38 ± 0.14 (CHK and FK) to 0.93 ± 0.01 (TRD and BRD). Moreover, the estimated genetic correlations of CW and EMA with primal cut yields and three composite traits were positive and moderate to strong, except for BFT, which was negative. These results indicate that genetic progress can be achieved for all traits, and selection to increase the yields of primal cuts can lead to considerable profitability in the Hanwoo beef industry.

scholarly journals 69 A new frame score system for Nelore cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 47-47
Author(s):  
Roberto D Sainz ◽  
Nayanny Guimarães ◽  
Cláudio U Magnabosco ◽  
Fernando Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Nelore Cattle

Abstract Frame score (FS) systems for beef cattle generally represent the relationships among growth, body composition, reproduction and mature size, in a simple and practical form. This study aimed to: 1) develop a FS system for Nelore cattle that is biologically sound, easy to interpret, and useful for producers; and 2) estimate the genetic parameters of the FS with productive and reproductive traits. An arbitrary scale (1 to 12) was devised so that each unit corresponds to 15 kg of carcass weight (1 @), as this is a common measure used for marketing beef cattle in Brazil. Therefore, ideal carcass weight, defined as having 6 mm of backfat, would be 18 @ (269 kg) and 15 @ (224 kg) for FS = 6 males and females, respectively. Data from 36,030 animals (22,405 males, 13,565 females) raised on pasture were obtained from participating herds of the National Association of Breeders and Researchers (ANCP). Genetic parameters were estimated in uni- and bicharacteristic analyses under an animal model, using the EM-REML algorithm (AIREMLF90) and Bayesian inference (GIBBS1F90). The heritability estimate for the new FS was 0.38, and its additive genetic correlations were 0.70, 0.72, 0.77, 0.33, -0.57, 0.27, and 0.28 with BW at 365 d, BW at 450 d, hip height, longissimus muscle area, subcutaneous fat thickness, scrotal circumference at 450 d, and age at first calving, respectively. The estimated heritability and genetic correlations indicate that there is enough additive genetic variability to allow for genetic response to selection. The estimates support the notion that larger frame animals are taller, heavier, leaner and later maturing, both in body composition as well as sexually. The new frame score may be a useful tool for genetic selection of animals that are best suited to their 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.

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