Selection for cow lifetime pregnancy rate using bull and heifer growth and reproductive traits in composite cattle

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. B. Mwansa ◽  
R. A. Kemp ◽  
D. H. Crews Jr ◽  
J. P. Kastelic ◽  
D. R. C. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Genetic Change ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Selection For

Genetic correlations of lifetime pregnancy rate with bull and heifer growth and reproductive traits in a beef composite population were estimated. Yearling scrotal circumference had an unfavorable genetic correlation (rg = −0.25) while yearling tonometer score was favorably related (rg = 0.22) to lifetime pregnancy rate. Heifer pregnancy rate, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and age at puberty in heifers had significant genetic correlations (rg = 0.97, 0.58, 0.57, 0.33 and −0.21, respectively) with lifetime pregnancy rate. Lifetime pregnancy rate may be successfully predicted by easy-to-measure heifer growth traits. Using indices including scrotal and heifer growth traits, annual genetic change in lifetime pregnancy rate may be increased 3.1 times compared with direct selection. Key words: Scrotal circumference, tonometer, pregnancy, reproduction, puberty

Estimates of genetic parameters for pre-weaning and post-weaning growth traits of Chios lambs

1980 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Mavrogenis ◽  
A. Louca ◽  
O. W. Robison
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Daily Gain

ABSTRACTData on 792 Chios lambs born during the 1972/73 and 1973/74 lambing seasons were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for birth weight, weaning weight, age at weaning, pre-weaning daily gain, body weight at 5, 10, 15 and 20 weeks of age, and postweaning daily gain. Body weight at 15 weeks of age had the highest heritability estimate (0·73 ± 0·17) and that of post-weaning daily gain was also high (0·56 ± 0·15). Selection for either weight at 15 weeks or post-weaning daily gain would be expected to yield a greater response than selection for pre-weaning daily gain or weaning weight. Genetic correlations among weights and/or gains were positive (approximately 0·20). Phenotypic correlations among weights and gains were generally higher than genetic correlations. However, the correlation between pre— and post-weaning daily gain was small (0·08). Likewise, post-weaning daily gain had low correlations with all weights before 10 weeks. Age at weaning had moderate negative associations with all weights but a very low positive correlation with post-weaning daily gain.

Performance of Hereford and crossbred Hereford cattle in the subtropics of New South Wales: genetic analyses of pre-weaning performance of first-cross calves

1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 417 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Barlow ◽  
GH O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Environmental Variation ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Sire Breed ◽  
Size At Birth

First-cross calves of Simmental (S), Friesian (F), and Brahman (B) sires were compared with straight-bred calves of Hereford (H) sires over 5 years at Grafton, N.S.W. There was a total of 775 calves sired by 205 bulls with complete records of performance from conception to weaning. Analyses were conducted to determine sire breed and sire breed x environment effects, and to provide paternal half-sib estimates of heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations. Various models were used to ascertain the sensitivity of genetic parameters to the removal of different sources of variation. Among females, S x H were heaviest at birth, while among males, B x H were heaviest. The regression coefficient of birth weight on gestation length was significantly greater for B x H calves than for other crosses. All crosses grew significantly faster to weaning and were significantly heavier at weaning than H x H calves. However, there were a number of significant interactions between sire breed and environmental variables for measures of pre-weaning growth. S x H and F x H calves appeared most sensitive to environmental variation, while B x H appeared least sensitive. The significance of this is discussed. Estimates of heritability for most traits were high. Values derived by using simple models were: gestation length, 0.68; birth weight, 0.56; average daily gain (ADG) to weaning, 0.47; weaning weight, 0.54; eyelid pigmentation, 0.50. Heritabilities of birth weight and ADG during the early pre-weaning period appeared most sensitive to the amount of environmental variation removed in the model. Gestation length was positively correlated with size at birth but negatively correlated with growth to weaning. There were large positive genetic correlations among various measures of size at birth, and among various measures of growth to weaning. When compared with ADG to weaning, weaning weight was more strongly correlated with birth weight, but less strongly correlated with gestation length. The results also indicated that selection for gain over a fixed time period, immediately prior to weaning, would be as efficient as direct selection for total ADG to weaning.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Selection Response for Reproductive and Growth Traits in Rideau-Arcott sheep

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Naser Boareki ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
Angela Cánovas ◽  
V.R. Osborne ◽  
Flavio S Schenkel
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Response To Selection ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Selection For

The goal of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and predict direct and correlated response to selection for lamb growth traits and ewe reproductive traits, based on single trait selection or combining multiple traits in an optimum index that targets total litter post-weaning weight in the first lambing as the main selection goal. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.04 to 0.19. Genetic correlations between growth and reproductive traits ranged from -0.24 to 0.15. The indirect response to selection for reproductive traits in later lambings, by selecting on first lambing performance, was 11 to 25% greater than direct selection. The response to indirect selection for composite reproductive traits, i.e. total weaning weight or total post-weaning weight, by selecting on individual lamb weaning weight or post-weaning weight was 1 to 69% greater than direct selection, but it was accompanied by a negative response on litter size. However, combining alternate growth and reproductive traits in optimum selection index resulted in correlated response of up to 96% greater than direct selection response for reproductive traits without a negative response on litter size. Therefore, multiple trait selection using an index of component traits was more effective than direct selection for a composite trait.

scholarly journals Short communication: Genetic parameters for post-weaning visual scores and reproductive traits in Suffolk sheep

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e04SC01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana V. Portes ◽  
Adriana L. Somavilla ◽  
André L. Grion ◽  
Laila T. Dias ◽  
Rodrigo A. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Additive Genetic Effect ◽  
Genetic Progress ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Suffolk Sheep

          The aim of this study was to estimate the coefficients of heritability and genetic correlations among visual scores (conformation, CPW; precocity, PPW; musculature, MPW) and reproductive traits: age at first lambing (AFL) and scrotal circumference (SC) evaluated at 180 days of age in Suffolk lambs. In the statistical model only the additive genetic effect was considered as random effect. The heritability estimates by univariate analyses for CPW, PPW, MPW, AFL and SC were 0.08, 0.12, 0.09, 0.20 and 0.22, respectively. The genetic correlations among AFL and CPW, PPW, MPW were -0.26, 0.19, and 0.08, respectively. The genetic correlation among SC and CPW, PPW, MPW were, respectively, 0.54, 0.88 and 0.86, and between AFL and SC was 0.26. The direct selection for conformation, precocity and musculature at 180 days of age and age at first lambing will provide slow genetic progress due to low heritability estimates. It is possible to obtain genetic gain in sexual precocity through selection on scrotal circumference in Suffolk rams. The favorable genetic correlation among visual scores and SC and between CPW and AFL, indicated the possibility to gain in genetic progress for reproductive traits through indirect selection of the visual scores in Suffolk sheep.

Genetic-quantitative analysis for reproductive traits in Nellor cattle selected for sexual precocity

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 896
Author(s):  
L. C. Brunes ◽  
F. Baldi ◽  
M. F. O. e Costa ◽  
R. B. Lobo ◽  
F. B. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Sexual Precocity ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Nellore Cattle ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Selection For

Context The selection of animals for sexual precocity and reproductive efficiency is a trend to reduce the production cycle, promote higher economic viability to the system, increase selection intensity and higher genetic gain, as well to promote the profitability of production systems. To include these traits as selection criterion in cattle breeding programs, estimating genetic parameters and studying the possibility of obtaining genetic gains is required. The hypothesis tested was that the indicators of sexual precocity traits present genetic variance and moderate heritability that allows these to be used as a criterion of selection to obtain improvement for sexual precocity, without negative implications for the reproductive efficiency in Nellore cattle. Aims This study was carried out to estimate the genetic parameters for reproductive traits (scrotal circumference at 365 and 450 days of age, gestation length, days open, calving interval, real fertility, cumulative productivity, calf weight:cow weight ratio) and age at first conception and first calving in a Nellore cattle herd under selection for sexual precocity. Methods Data of reproductive traits and indicators of sexual precocity traits from 4081 Nellore cattle born between 2009 and 2015 were used. The covariance components, heritabilities and correlations were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method, available in the BLUPF90 package, in single- and multiple-trait animal mixed models. Key results Estimates of heritability and standard errors for scrotal circumference at 365 and 450 days of age, gestation length, days open, calving interval, real fertility, cumulative productivity, calf weight:cow weight ratio, age at first conception (AFCo) and age at first calving (AFCa) were 0.33 ± 0.03, 0.33 ± 0.01, 0.23 ± 0.03, 0.34 ± 0.11, 0.23 ± 0.12, 0.21 ± 0.16, 0.23 ± 0.08, 0.25 ± 0.10, 0.21 ± 0.08 and 0.24 ± 0.08 respectively. The genetic correlations estimated between AFCo and the other reproductive traits ranged from –0.61 to 0.14 (standard error 0.1–0.21), and between AFCa and the other reproductive traits ranged from –0.60 to 0.16 (standard error 0.1–0.19), all of them in a favourable direction. Conclusions Selection for sexual precocity based on AFCo and AFCa may promote improvement in reproductive efficiency and fertility, except for the calf weight:cow weight ratio, whose correlation was close to zero. Implications The estimates of heritabilities and genetic correlations suggest that selection programs for reproductive traits and indicators of sexual precocity traits for the Nellore breed may provide genetic gain. In addition, considering the genetic correlation obtained between AFCo and AFCa (0.96), when the selection objective is to increase the sexual precocity of heifers, we could use the age of the first conception as criterion, as the measurement of this trait occurs at a lower age at first calving, which implies reducing the time required for animal evaluation and decision-making.

scholarly journals Genetic parameters by Bayesian inference for dual purpose Jaffarabadi buffaloes

2012 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 567-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Mendes Malhado ◽  
A. C. Mendes Malhado ◽  
A. Amorim Ramos ◽  
P. L. Souza Carneiro ◽  
F. Siewerdt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Inference ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Selection For

Abstract. Knowledge of genetic parameters is essential for improved reproductive management and increased yield. Quantitative analysis of genetic parameters is lacking for many breeds of buffaloes. This article provides the first estimate of genetic parameters for dual purpose (meat and milk) Brazilian Jaffarabadi buffaloes, using Bayesian inference. Data on milk yield (MY), lactation length (LL), weight at 205 days (W205) and 365 (W365) days of age, and average daily gain (ADG) from 205 to 365 days of age were collected in two herds. Bivariate analyses (using the program MTGSAM) were performed with the Gibbs sampler to obtain estimates of variance and covariance. Average lactation milk yield and lactation length were 1620.2±450.9 kg and 257.6±46.8 days, respectively, and the mean values for weight traits (kg) were 181.6±63.3 (W205), 298.04±116.1 (W365), and 0.73±0.35 (ADG). Heritability estimates (modes) were 0.16 for MY, 0.10 for LL, 0.43 for W205, 0.48 for W365 and 0.32 for ADG. There was a high genetic correlation (0.96) between milk yield and lactation length and very high genetic correlations (0.99) between the three growth traits. Our data suggest that both milk production and growth traits have clear potential for yield improvement through direct selection in this dual purpose breed. The selection for weight at an early age would be successful and selection for MY can be performed in the first lactation.

scholarly journals Genetic Variation in an International Provenance-Progeny Test of Pinus caribaea Mor. var. bahamensis Bar. et Gol., in São Paulo, Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Sebbenn ◽  
F. C. Arantes ◽  
O. V. Boas ◽  
M. L. M. Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Progeny Test ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Pinus Caribaea ◽  
Andros Island ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Analysis Of Variation

Abstract A combined provenance-progeny test of Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis was established in Paraguaçu Paulista Experimental Station, São Paulo State, Brazil, in a “compact family” blocks design with 14 provenances, 2 to 10 families per provenance, 5 individuals per subplot, and 7 replications. Variation among and within island, provenances and families and genetic parameters for d.b.h., height, and real volume were investigated, about 15 years after planting. Analysis of variation for all studied traits revealed significant differences among islands, provenances within island and families within islands, suggesting the possibility of increasing the timber yield through selection of the more productive provenances and families within the best island. Genetic correlations on growth traits were high and statistically significant, indicating that substantial gains could be made through indirect selection for one trait based on direct selection for another. Norman Castle provenance from Abaco Island performed best for d.b.h. height and volume, while San Andros and Little Harbour Cay, both from Andros Island performed worst for d.b.h. and height, respectively, and South Riding from Grand Bahamas Island performed worst for volume. The best provenance growth compared to that P. elliottii var. elliottii species at the same experimental site suggests that P. caribaea var. bahamensis has high silvicultural potential for the Paraguaçu Paulista region.

scholarly journals Genetic parameters and efficiency of early selection for half rotation-aged growth and form traits in Pinus taeda in China

2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 277-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huixiao Yang ◽  
Tianyi Liu ◽  
Chunxin Liu ◽  
Jinbang Wang ◽  
Kaer Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Early Selection ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Stem Straightness ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Heritability Estimates

Abstract Genetic parameters for height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), stem straightness (STR), and under crown clear bole height (CH) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were estimated for 255 families (209 open pollinated (OP) and 46 controlled pollinated (CP) families) using a family model and an individual tree model at age 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, and 15 years. Heritability estimates for growth traits of individual trees at age 11 years were the highest (0.17-0.78), and those at age 15 years were the lowest (0.05-0.74). Heritability estimates for DBH, STR, and CH were lower than those for H. Genetic correlations between H and DBH were generally strongly positive, attained a maximum values at age 2 to 3, and declined slightly thereafter. The genetic correlations between CH at age 11 and both H and DBH at different ages were moderate. Age-age genetic correlations for growth traits were moderate to high (0.56-0.91) at age 5 for half-rotation age (15 years), indicating the opportunity exists for early selection. Indirect selection from the age 5 to 11 years for H and DBH could be expected to produce gains of over 50% and 35% respectively, for these two ages, relative to direct selection at age 15. Efficiencies of early selection for H and DBH indicated that growth at maturity could be improved by early selection.

scholarly journals Maternal inheritance on reproductive traits in Brangus-Ibagé cattle

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1163-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Ernani Henkes ◽  
Magda Vieira Benavides ◽  
João Francisco Coelho Oliveira ◽  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Tania Azevedo Weimer
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Age At First Calving ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Mtdna Mutations ◽  
D Loop ◽  
Additive Genetic Effects

Cytoplasmic inheritance influence on reproductive traits was investigated in the Brangus-Ibagé cattle (3/8 Nelore x 5/8 Aberdeen Angus). Additive genetic effects were responsible for 12% ± 11% of phenotypic variation observed in first calving interval, but their contribution dropped to zero when all calving intervals (CI) were considered. The heritability estimate for age at first calving (AFC, in days) was 0.19 ± 0.09. Mitochondrial lineage (MIT) had negligible effects on phenotypic variances of calving interval (0.0 ± 0.02), calf birth weight (0.0 ± 0.01), and cow weight at calving (0.0 ± 0.01). However, for the age at first calving, MIT accounted for 0.15 ± 0.07 of total variation. Cow weight at calving had a significant linear effect on CI and AFC. Three D-loop mtDNA mutations significantly affected either calving interval (T®C at sites 16,113 and 16,119) or calf birth weight (T®C at site 16,113). The C variants had decreased CI (29 and 32 days, respectively) and increased calf weight (0.6kg). Although the effects were small, direct selection for these mutation-carrier cows might improve the reproductive and developmental performance in this herd.

scholarly journals Clonal Variation and Genotype by Environment Interactions in Growth and Wood Density in Eucalyptus camaldulensis at Three Contrasting Sites in Vietnam

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 17-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. D. Kien ◽  
G. Jansson ◽  
C. Harwood ◽  
C. Almqvist
Keyword(s):  
Growth Traits ◽  
Basic Density ◽  
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis ◽  
Clonal Variation ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
North Central ◽  
Genotype By Environment ◽  
Pilodyn Penetration ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Genotypic Correlations

AbstractA total of 172 clones of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were tested in three clonal tests in northern, north-central and southern Vietnam, with 32 of them planted across all three sites. At age 3-5 years, the clonal repeatabilities were 0.18-0.42 for growth traits, 0.71-0.78 for wood basic density and 0.56-0.66 for pilodyn penetration. Genotypic correlations between growth and density at the three sites were from -0.24 to 0.17, and did not differ significantly from zero. Genotypic correlations between sites were 0.32-0.56 for growth traits at age 3 years, and 0.72-0.88 for density and pilodyn penetration. Selection gains for breast height diameter at individual sites at a selection proportion of 5% were 22-32%, with minor effects on density. Selection for diameter at one site gave indirect responses in diameter at the other two sites that were only 40-60% of the gains obtainable from direct selection at those sites. This study shows that fast-growing E. camaldulensis clones can be selected in Vietnam with only minor effects on density. Selection for growth should be regionally based to maximize selection gain whereas clonal rankings for density will change little across regions.

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