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de Carvalho Porto Barbosa M, Fioravanti MCS, Peripolli V, do Egito AA, Juliano RS, Ramos AF, Cardoso D, Laudares KM, Feijó GLD, Prado CS, Júnior RGV, de Oliveira NA, de Paula Rezende PL, Restle J, Costa GL, Costa MFOE, McManus C. Performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted Brazilian cattle breeds under feedlot conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:243. [PMID: 37337066 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted cattle in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass traits as well as meat quality of two local breeds (Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro) with the Nelore breed. Fifteen 30-month-old steers of each breed were weighted (Curraleiro Pé-Duro = 264.80 kg; Nelore = 346.80 kg; Pantaneiro = 316.20 kg) and raised in a feedlot condition for 112 days, with measurements to assess growth and slaughter, visual and carcass and meat traits. Data were submitted to variance and multivariate analyses. Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro had similar Gluteus medius depths. Pantaneiro and Curraleiro Pé-Duro were superior for leg compactness index (P < 0.05) and had higher eye muscle area than Nelore (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference in daily weight gain and slaughter weight between breeds, Curraleiro Pé-Duro had a lower initial weight (264.80 kg) when compared to Nelore (346.80 kg; P < 0.05). Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro deposited more fat than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05), while Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro had more muscle than Nelore (P < 0.05), which also had more bone and a higher percentage of second-quality cuts (P < 0.05). Meat from Nelore also showed lower succulence than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05) and higher shear force than the other breeds (P < 0.05). Pantaneiro's meat had the most capacity to retain water (P < 0.05), lower shear force (P < 0.05), and was more succulent (P < 0.05) when compared to the other breeds. Multivariate analysis showed that Pantaneiro, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, and Nelore breeds can be considered distinct in growth, carcass, and meat traits, with the local breeds showing superior meat traits. The local breeds Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro presented characteristics similar or better to those of the Nelore, proving to be animals with great productive potential and generate high meat quality under feedlot conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra de Carvalho Porto Barbosa
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Clorinda Soares Fioravanti
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Peripolli
- Instituto Federal Catarinense, Campus Araquari, Rodovia BR 280, km 27, Araquari, SC, 89245-000, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Alexandre Floriani Ramos
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - Daniela Cardoso
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Kamilla Malta Laudares
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiano Sales Prado
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Romário Gonçalves Vaz Júnior
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Neryssa Alencar de Oliveira
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro Leonardo de Paula Rezende
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - João Restle
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Lage Costa
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Rodovia Goiânia, km 8, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Concepta McManus
- Instituto de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
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Carvalho FE, Ferraz JBS, Pedrosa VB, Matos EC, Eler JP, Silva MR, Guimarães JD, Bussiman FO, Silva BCA, Cançado FA, Mulim HA, Espigolan R, Brito LF. Genetic parameters for various semen production and quality traits and indicators of male and female reproductive performance in Nellore cattle. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:150. [PMID: 36973650 PMCID: PMC10044441 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the economic relevance of fertility and reproductive traits for the beef cattle industry, investigating their genetic background and developing effective breeding strategies are paramount. Considering their late and sex-dependent phenotypic expression, genomic information can contribute to speed up the rates of genetic progress per year. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and genetic parameters, including heritability and genetic correlations, for fertility, female precocity, and semen production and quality (andrological attributes) traits in Nellore cattle incorporating genomic information. RESULTS The heritability estimates of semen quality traits were low-to-moderate, while moderate-to-high estimates were observed for semen morphological traits. The heritability of semen defects ranged from low (0.04 for minor semen defects) to moderate (0.30 for total semen defects). For seminal aspect (SMN_ASPC) and bull reproductive fitness (BULL_FIT), low (0.19) and high (0.69) heritabilities were observed, respectively. The heritability estimates for female reproductive traits ranged from 0.16 to 0.39 for rebreeding of precocious females (REBA) and probability of pregnancy at 14 months (PP14), respectively. Semen quality traits were highly genetically correlated among themselves. Moderate-to-high genetic correlations were observed between the ability to remain productive in the herd until four years of age (stayability; STAY) and the other reproductive traits, indicating that selection for female reproductive performance will indirectly contribute to increasing fertility rates. High genetic correlations between BULL_FIT and female reproductive traits related to precocity (REBA and PP14) and STAY were observed. The genetic correlations between semen quality and spermatic morphology with female reproductive traits ranged from -0.22 (REBA and scrotal circumference) to 0.48 (REBA and sperm vigor). In addition, the genetic correlations between REBA with semen quality traits ranged from -0.23 to 0.48, and with the spermatic morphology traits it ranged from -0.22 to 0.19. CONCLUSIONS All male and female fertility and reproduction traits evaluated are heritable and can be improved through direct genetic or genomic selection. Selection for better sperm quality will positively influence the fertility and precocity of Nellore females. The findings of this study will serve as background information for designing breeding programs for genetically improving semen production and quality and reproductive performance in Nellore cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe E Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - José Bento S Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor B Pedrosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Elisangela C Matos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Joanir P Eler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio R Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - José D Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Vicosa, Vicosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando O Bussiman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Barbara C A Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Cançado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique A Mulim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Rafael Espigolan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Nascimento BM, Carvalheiro R, de A Teixeira R, Dias LT, Fortes MRS. Weak genotype x environment interaction suggests that measuring scrotal circumference at 12 and 18 months of age is helpful to select precocious Brahman cattle. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6650229. [PMID: 35881500 PMCID: PMC9467030 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype x environment interaction (GxE) for scrotal circumference (SC) measured at different ages using pedigree-based (A -1) and pedigree and genomic-based (H -1) relationship matrices. Data from 1,515 Brahman bulls, from the Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies (Beef CRC) experimental dataset were used in this study. SC was adjusted to age and body weight measured at 6 months (SC6), 12 months (SC12), 18 months (SC18) and 24 months of age (SC24). Body weight (BW) measured at 6 months (BW6), 12 months (BW12), 18 months (BW18) and 24 months of age (BW24) were used as criteria to describe the environment for SC in each age. All the animals measured were genotyped using medium-density SNP chips ("50k" or "70k" SNP) and their genotype were imputed using a reference panel with 729,068 SNP. The environment gradient (EG) was obtained by standardizing the solutions of the contemporary groups obtained by Animal Model with BW as the dependent variable. Then, the reaction norms (RN) were determined through a Random Regression Model. The breeding values (EBV) were estimated using either A -1 or H -1. The rank correlation was obtained using Spearman's correlation among the EBV estimated for the traits in analysis. For SC6 and SC24, higher estimates of heritability (h²) were obtained using A -1, when compared to those observed with H -1. In those ages, the improvement of the environment decreases the h² coefficient. On the other hand, the h² for SC12 and SC18 increased as the environment became more favorable, regardless of the matrix used. The RN for SC6 and SC24 estimated using A -1 and H -1 showed a decrease of variance from the worst to the best environment, an indication of existence of GxE. On the other hand, for SC12 and SC18, there were no significant differences between the EBV estimated in the lower and in the higher environments, regardless of the kinship matrix used, suggesting absence of GxE on those ages. Spearman's correlation among EBV estimated using A -1 and H -1 in different EG were practically equal to unity for all traits evaluated. In our study, there was weak evidence of GxE effect on SC in ages suitable for selection for sexual precocity. So, the absence of GxE at 12 and 18 months means these ages are advantageous for measuring SC to selection for sexual precocity. The advantage is that no changes in classification were observed when the sires were evaluated in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara M Nascimento
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, Paulista State University, FCAV, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de A Teixeira
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Laila T Dias
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Alves AAC, da Costa RM, Fonseca LFS, Carvalheiro R, Ventura RV, Rosa GJDM, Albuquerque LG. A Random Forest-Based Genome-Wide Scan Reveals Fertility-Related Candidate Genes and Potential Inter-Chromosomal Epistatic Regions Associated With Age at First Calving in Nellore Cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:834724. [PMID: 35692843 PMCID: PMC9178659 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.834724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) using the Random Forest (RF) approach for scanning candidate genes for age at first calving (AFC) in Nellore cattle. Additionally, potential epistatic effects were investigated using linear mixed models with pairwise interactions between all markers with high importance scores within the tree ensemble non-linear structure. Data from Nellore cattle were used, including records of animals born between 1984 and 2015 and raised in commercial herds located in different regions of Brazil. The estimated breeding values (EBV) were computed and used as the response variable in the genomic analyses. After quality control, the remaining number of animals and SNPs considered were 3,174 and 360,130, respectively. Five independent RF analyses were carried out, considering different initialization seeds. The importance score of each SNP was averaged across the independent RF analyses to rank the markers according to their predictive relevance. A total of 117 SNPs associated with AFC were identified, which spanned 10 autosomes (2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 24, and 25). In total, 23 non-overlapping genomic regions embedded 262 candidate genes for AFC. Enrichment analysis and previous evidence in the literature revealed that many candidate genes annotated close to the lead SNPs have key roles in fertility, including embryo pre-implantation and development, embryonic viability, male germinal cell maturation, and pheromone recognition. Furthermore, some genomic regions previously associated with fertility and growth traits in Nellore cattle were also detected in the present study, reinforcing the effectiveness of RF for pre-screening candidate regions associated with complex traits. Complementary analyses revealed that many SNPs top-ranked in the RF-based GWAS did not present a strong marginal linear effect but are potentially involved in epistatic hotspots between genomic regions in different autosomes, remarkably in the BTAs 3, 5, 11, and 21. The reported results are expected to enhance the understanding of genetic mechanisms involved in the biological regulation of AFC in this cattle breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Antonio Carvalho Alves
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rebeka Magalhães da Costa
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Larissa Fernanda Simielli Fonseca
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Lucia Galvão Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
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Heritability and genetic correlation of body weight and Kleiber ratio in Limousin and Charolais beef cattle breeds. Animal 2022; 16:100528. [PMID: 35483174 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing the environmental impact of livestock production is now indispensable and genetic selection can be of great support for this purpose. Measures that can identify high body growth at low maintenance costs in production animals are particularly useful since resources have been increasingly limited. Therefore, the goal of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for BW and Kleiber ratio (KR) in 210-day-old and 365-day-old Charolais and Limousin breeds. A database comprising animals born from 1999 to 2018 was used in a multitrait model applying Bayesian inference. The heritability for BW is high in Charolais (0.39 and 0.42 for BW210 and BW365, respectively) and moderate in Limousin (0.22), indicating possible genetic gains for BW in both breeds. The genetic variability of KR should also allow satisfactory genetic gains. In addition, the genetic correlation between BW and KR ranged from low to moderate. Thus, selection over KR should have no effects on BW, showing that high body growth can be obtained without changes in efficiency.
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Sustainable Intensification of Beef Production in the Tropics: The Role of Genetically Improving Sexual Precocity of Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020174. [PMID: 35049797 PMCID: PMC8772995 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tropical pasture-based beef production systems play a vital role in global food security. The importance of promoting sustainable intensification of such systems has been debated worldwide. Demand for beef is growing together with concerns over the impact of its production on the environment. Implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs relies on animal genetic improvement. In tropical areas, the lack of sexual precocity is a bottleneck for cattle efficiency, directly impacting the sustainability of production systems. In the present review we present and discuss the state of the art of genetic evaluation for sexual precocity in Bos indicus beef cattle, covering the definition of measurable traits, genetic parameter estimates, genomic analyses, and a case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs. Abstract Increasing productivity through continued animal genetic improvement is a crucial part of implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs. In Zebu cattle, the lack of sexual precocity is one of the main obstacles to improving beef production efficiency. Puberty-related traits are complex, but large-scale data sets from different “omics” have provided information on specific genes and biological processes with major effects on the expression of such traits, which can greatly increase animal genetic evaluation. In addition, genetic parameter estimates and genomic predictions involving sexual precocity indicator traits and productive, reproductive, and feed-efficiency related traits highlighted the feasibility and importance of direct selection for anticipating heifer reproductive life. Indeed, the case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs presented here show that, in 12 years of selection for female early precocity and improved management practices, the phenotypic means of age at first calving showed a strong decreasing trend, changing from nearly 34 to less than 28 months, with a genetic trend of almost −2 days/year. In this period, the percentage of early pregnancy in the herds changed from around 10% to more than 60%, showing that the genetic improvement of heifer’s sexual precocity allows optimizing the productive cycle by reducing the number of unproductive animals in the herd. It has a direct impact on sustainability by better use of resources. Genomic selection breeding programs accounting for genotype by environment interaction represent promising tools for accelerating genetic progress for sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle.
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Carrara ER, Peixoto MGCD, Veroneze R, Silva FFE, Ramos PVB, Bruneli FAT, Zadra LEF, Ventura HT, Josahkian LA, Lopes PS. Genetic study of quantitative traits supports the use of Guzerá as dual-purpose cattle. Anim Biosci 2022; 35:955-963. [PMID: 34991209 PMCID: PMC9271375 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for 305-day cumulative milk yield and components, growth, and reproductive traits in Guzerá cattle. Methods The evaluated traits were 305-day first-lactation cumulative yields (kg) of milk (MY305), fat (FY305), protein (PY305), lactose (LY305), and total solids (SY305); age at first calving (AFC) in days; adjusted scrotal perimeter (cm) at the ages of 365 (SP365) and 450 (SP450) days; and adjusted body weight (kg) at the ages of 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 (W450) days. The (co)variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method for single-trait, bi-trait and tri-trait analyses. Contemporary groups and additive genetic effects were included in the general mixed model. Maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects were also included for W210. Results The direct heritability estimates ranged from 0.16 (W210) to 0.32 (MY305). The maternal heritability estimate for W210 was 0.03. Genetic correlation estimates among milk production traits and growth traits ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 and from 0.92 to 0.99, respectively. For milk production and growth traits, the genetic correlations ranged from 0.33 to 0.56. The genetic correlations among AFC and all other traits were negative (−0.43 to −0.27). Scrotal perimeter traits and body weights showed genetic correlations ranging from 0.41 to 0.46, and scrotal perimeter and milk production traits showed genetic correlations ranging from 0.11 to 0.30. The phenotypic correlations were similar in direction (same sign) and lower than the corresponding genetic correlations. Conclusion These results suggest the viability and potential of joint selection for dairy and beef traits in Guzerá cattle, taking into account reproductive traits.
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Portes JV, Menezes GR, MacNeil MD, da Silva LO, Gondo A, Braccini Neto J. Selection indices for Nellore production systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Alves AAC, Espigolan R, Bresolin T, Costa RM, Fernandes Júnior GA, Ventura RV, Carvalheiro R, Albuquerque LG. Genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle using parametric models and machine learning methods. Anim Genet 2020; 52:32-46. [PMID: 33191532 DOI: 10.1111/age.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the predictive ability of different machine learning (ML) methods for genomic prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. The studied traits were age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), early pregnancy (EP) and stayability (STAY). The numbers of genotyped animals and SNP markers available were 2342 and 321 419 (AFC), 4671 and 309 486 (SC), 2681 and 319 619 (STAY) and 3356 and 319 108 (EP). Predictive ability of support vector regression (SVR), Bayesian regularized artificial neural network (BRANN) and random forest (RF) were compared with results obtained using parametric models (genomic best linear unbiased predictor, GBLUP, and Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, BLASSO). A 5-fold cross-validation strategy was performed and the average prediction accuracy (ACC) and mean squared errors (MSE) were computed. The ACC was defined as the linear correlation between predicted and observed breeding values for categorical traits (EP and STAY) and as the correlation between predicted and observed adjusted phenotypes divided by the square root of the estimated heritability for continuous traits (AFC and SC). The average ACC varied from low to moderate depending on the trait and model under consideration, ranging between 0.56 and 0.63 (AFC), 0.27 and 0.36 (SC), 0.57 and 0.67 (EP), and 0.52 and 0.62 (STAY). SVR provided slightly better accuracies than the parametric models for all traits, increasing the prediction accuracy for AFC to around 6.3 and 4.8% compared with GBLUP and BLASSO respectively. Likewise, there was an increase of 8.3% for SC, 4.5% for EP and 4.8% for STAY, comparing SVR with both GBLUP and BLASSO. In contrast, the RF and BRANN did not present competitive predictive ability compared with the parametric models. The results indicate that SVR is a suitable method for genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. Further, the optimal kernel bandwidth parameter in the SVR model was trait-dependent, thus, a fine-tuning for this hyper-parameter in the training phase is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A C Alves
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - R Espigolan
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - T Bresolin
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - R M Costa
- Department of Exact Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - G A Fernandes Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - R V Ventura
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - R Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil.,National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), Brasília, 71605-001, Brazil
| | - L G Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil.,National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), Brasília, 71605-001, Brazil
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Viana AFP, Rorato PRN, Mello FCB, Machado DS, Figueiredo AM, Bravo AP, Feltes GL. Principal component analysis of breeding values for growth, reproductive and visual score traits of Nellore cattle. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Grigoletto L, Santana MHA, Bressan FF, Eler JP, Nogueira MFG, Kadarmideen HN, Baruselli PS, Ferraz JBS, Brito LF. Genetic Parameters and Genome-Wide Association Studies for Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels and Antral Follicle Populations Measured After Estrus Synchronization in Nellore Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1185. [PMID: 32668804 PMCID: PMC7401547 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive efficiency plays a major role in the long-term sustainability of livestock industries and can be improved through genetic and genomic selection. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with anti-Müllerian hormone levels (AMH) and antral follicle populations measured after estrous synchronization (AFP) in Nellore cattle. The datasets included phenotypic records for 1099 and 289 Nellore females for AFP and AMH, respectively, high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes for 944 animals, and 4129 individuals in the pedigree. The heritability estimates for AMH and AFP were 0.28 ± 0.07 and 0.30 ± 0.09, and the traits were highly and positively genetically correlated (rG = 0.81 ± 0.02). These findings indicated that these traits can be improved through selective breeding, and substantial indirect genetic gains are expected by selecting for only one of the two traits. A total of 31 genomic regions were shown to be associated with AMH or AFP, and two genomic regions located on BTA1 (64.9-65.0 Mb and 109.1-109.2 Mb) overlapped between the traits. Various candidate genes were identified to be potentially linked to important biological processes such as ovulation, tissue remodeling, and the immune system. Our findings support the use of AMH and AFP as indicator traits to genetically improve fertility rates in Nellore cattle and identify better oocyte donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Grigoletto
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Miguel Henrique Almeida Santana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Joanir Pereira Eler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University, Assis, 19806-900 São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Haja N. Kadarmideen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 102500 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - José Bento Sterman Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900 São Paulo, Brazil; (M.H.A.S.); (F.F.B.); (J.P.E.); (J.B.S.F.)
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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13
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Genetic correlations between scrotal circumference, heifer fertility and stayability in Charolais–Charbray cattle. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Reproductive performance of cows and genetic correlation with weight gains and principal components of traits used in selection of Nelore cattle. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Stafuzza NB, Costa E Silva EVD, Silva RMDO, Costa Filho LCCD, Barbosa FB, Macedo GG, Lobo RB, Baldi F. Genome-wide association study for age at puberty in young Nelore bulls. J Anim Breed Genet 2019; 137:234-244. [PMID: 31515857 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Selection for bulls that would reach puberty early reduces the generation interval and increases fertility and herd productivity. Despite its economic importance, there are few QTL associated with age at puberty described in the literature. In this study, a weighted single-step genome-wide association study was performed to detect genomic regions and putative candidate genes related to age at puberty in young Nelore bulls. Several protein-coding genes related to spermatogenesis functions were identified within the genomic regions that explain more than 0.5% of the additive genetic variance for age at puberty in Nelore bulls, such as ADAM11, BRCA1, CSNK2A, CREBBP, MEIOC, NDRG2, NECTIN3, PARP2, PARP9, PRSS21, RAD51C, RNASE4, SLX4, SPA17, TEX14, TIMP2 and TRIP13 gene. Enrichment analysis by DAVID also revealed several GO terms related to spermatogenesis such as DNA replication (GO:0006260), male meiosis I (GO:0007141), double-strand break repair (GO:0006302), base excision repair (GO:0006284), apoptotic process (GO:0006915), cell-cell adhesion (GO: 0098609) and focal adhesion (GO:0005925). The heritability for age at puberty shows that this trait can be improved based on traditional EBV selection. Adding genomic information to the system helps to elucidate genes and molecular mechanisms controlling the sexual precocity and could help to predict sexual precocity in Nelore bulls with greater accuracy at younger age, which would speed up the breeding programme for this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliane Vianna da Costa E Silva
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Cesar da Costa Filho
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil.,PROCRIAR Assistência Veterinária, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Battistotti Barbosa
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil.,PROCRIAR Assistência Veterinária, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Guerino Macedo
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Raysildo B Lobo
- Associação Nacional dos Criadores e Pesquisadores (ANCP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Baldi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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16
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Across-sex genomic-assisted genetic correlations for sex-influenced traits in Brahman cattle. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:41. [PMID: 31337334 PMCID: PMC6651968 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed at estimating genetic parameters of sex-influenced production traits, evaluating the impact of genotype-by-sex interaction, and identifying the selection criteria that could be included in multiple-trait genetic evaluation to increase the rate of genetic improvement in both sexes. To achieve this goal, we used 10 male and 10 female phenotypes, which were measured in a population of 2111 Australian Brahman cattle genotyped at high-density. Results Heritability estimates ranged from very low (0.03 ± 0.03 for cows’ days to calving at first calving opportunity, DC1), to moderate (0.33 ± 0.08 for cows’ adult body weight, AWTc), and to high (0.95 ± 0.07 for cows’ hip height, HHc). Genetic correlation (rg) estimates between male and female homologous traits were favorable and ranged from moderate to high values, which indicate that selection for any of the traits in one sex would lead to a correlated response with the equivalent phenotype in the other sex. However, the estimated direct response was greater than the indirect response. Moreover, Pearson correlations between estimated breeding values obtained from each sex separately and from female and male homologous traits combined into a single trait in univariate analysis ranged from 0.74 to 0.99, which indicate that small ranking variation might appear if male and female traits are included as single or separate phenotypes. Genetic correlations between male growth and female reproductive traits were not significant, ranging from − 0.07 ± 0.13 to 0.45 ± 0.65. However, selection to improve HHc and AWTc in cows may reduce the percentage of normal sperm at 24 months of age (PNS24), possibly due to correlated effects in the same traits in males, which are related to late maturing animals. Conclusions Hip height in cows and PNS24, as well as blood insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) concentration in bulls at 6 months of age are efficient selection criteria to improve male growth and female reproductive traits, simultaneously. In the presence of genotype-by-sex interactions, selection for traits in each sex results in high rates of genetic improvement, however, for the identification of animals with the highest breeding value, data for males and females may be considered a single trait. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12711-019-0482-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Moraes GF, Abreu LRA, Toral FLB, Ferreira IC, Ventura HT, Bergmann JAG, Pereira IG. Selection for feed efficiency does not change the selection for growth and carcass traits in Nellore cattle. J Anim Breed Genet 2019; 136:464-473. [DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Faria Moraes
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Uberlândia Brazil
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Schmidt PI, Campos GS, Roso VM, Souza FRP, Boligon AA. Genetic analysis of female reproductive efficiency, scrotal circumference and growth traits in Nelore cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 128:47-53. [PMID: 30743103 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study estimated the genetic variability and correlations between growth and reproductive traits in Nelore cattle. Annual genetic changes in female reproductive traits were also evaluated using repeated measures. Direct heritability was moderate for the growth traits and scrotal circumference (0.235 ± 0.015 to 0.443 ± 0.006), indicating genetic variability in these traits in the population studied. Maternal heritability was low for weaning height (0.042 ± 0.012) and weaning weight (0.112 ± 0.013). Regarding female reproductive traits, gestation length (GL) exhibited a slightly higher heritability (0.179 ± 0.006) than days to calving (DC) and calving interval (CI) (0.123 ± 0.006 and 0.105 ± 0.008, respectively). Repeatability was lower for GL (0.222 ± 0.006) compared to DC (0.318 ± 0.004) and CI (0.406 ± 0.006). Moderate and positive genetic correlations were obtained between the growth traits and scrotal circumference, ranging from 0.193 ± 0.019 to 0.519 ± 0.007. Weaning height showed low and positive genetic associations with GL (0.138 ± 0.007) and CI (0.189 ± 0.016), but was not correlated with DC (-0.016 ± 0.011). Similarly, weaning weight, yearling height or yearling weight was not associated with any of the female reproductive traits. The genetic correlations between scrotal circumference and female reproductive traits were negative and favorable, but low: -0.116 ± 0.020 (GL), -0.084 ± 0.028 (DC), and -0.054 ± 0.038 (CI). Favorable genetic associations were estimated between all female reproductive traits, ranging from 0.170 ± 0.040 to 0.442 ± 0.050. Genetic changes were favorable for GL and CI (-0.02 days/year and -0.11 days/year, respectively) and unfavorable for DC (0.16 days/year). In conclusion, selection for higher growth using the estimated breeding values for height and weight will not affect the reproductive performance of Nelore females. Nonetheless, simultaneous selection for growth and reproductive traits is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Schmidt
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - G S Campos
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-060, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - V M Roso
- GenSys Associates and Consultants S/S LTDA, 90680-001, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - F R P Souza
- Ecology, Zoology and Genetics Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - A A Boligon
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil.
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Ferreira Júnior RJ, Bonilha SFM, Monteiro FM, Cyrillo JNSG, Branco RH, Silva JAIV, Mercadante MEZ. Evidence of negative relationship between female fertility and feed efficiency in Nellore cattle. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:4035-4044. [PMID: 29986041 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and genetic relationships between fertility traits and feed efficiency in male and female Nellore cattle. Data from 320 females born between 2004 and 2011 were used for phenotypic evaluation. These animals were evaluated for postweaning residual feed intake (RFI) and classified as negative (RFI < 0, mean = -0.294 ± 0.017 kg DM/d) or positive RFI (RFI > 0, mean = 0.305 ± 0.0189 kg DM/d). Of these, 118 prepuberal heifers were submitted to ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries for monitoring the presence (or absence) of a corpus luteum and for the measurement of endometrial thickness. The following fertility traits were evaluated in all females: age at first calving, days to calving, first calving interval, calving success, stayability, and longevity. The variance components were estimated by the average information restricted maximum likelihood method under an animal model in 5-trait analysis of backfat and rump fat thickness, scrotal circumference, days to calving, and RFI. The total number of animals with records was 6,718, including 927 males with records of scrotal circumference and RFI and 264 females with records of days to calving and RFI. Negative RFI females consumed 12.5% less DM daily than positive RFI females and had a lower rump fat thickness when evaluated postweaning. Among the fertility traits studied, only first calving interval differed (P = 0.0858) between RFI classes, with the interval of negative RFI females being 45 d shorter than that of positive RFI animals. The heritability estimates were 0.29, 0.34, 0.50, 0.12, and 0.16 for backfat and rump fat thickness, scrotal circumference, days to calving, and RFI, respectively. The genetic correlations between RFI and the other traits studied were unfavorable for selection and were of moderate magnitude with backfat thickness, rump fat thickness, and days to calving (0.53, 0.37, and -0.49, respectively) and close to zero with scrotal circumference (0.07). Scrotal circumference (0.17 and 0.15) and days to calving (-0.10 and -0.22) were weakly and favorably correlated with backfat and rump fat thickness. There is evidence of moderate genetic antagonism between female fertility and feed efficiency, but with no evidence of a genetic correlation between male fertility and feed efficiency. There is also evidence of low genetic synergism between fat thickness and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah F M Bonilha
- APTA Beef Cattle Center, Institute of Animal Science, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio M Monteiro
- APTA Beef Cattle Center, Institute of Animal Science, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renata H Branco
- APTA Beef Cattle Center, Institute of Animal Science, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
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Kluska S, Olivieri BF, Bonamy M, Chiaia HLJ, Feitosa FLB, Berton MP, Peripolli E, Lemos MVA, Tonussi RL, Lôbo RB, Magnabosco CDU, Di Croce F, Osterstock J, Pereira ASC, Munari DP, Bezerra LA, Lopes FB, Baldi F. Estimates of genetic parameters for growth, reproductive, and carcass traits in Nelore cattle using the single step genomic BLUP procedure. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Lacerda V, Campos G, Roso V, Souza F, Brauner C, Boligon A. Effect of mature size and body condition of Nelore females on the reproductive performance. Theriogenology 2018; 118:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rua MAS, Quirino CR, Rodrigues ACC, Christo MM, Barreto MAP. Evaluation of environmental effects on reproductive characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador mares in a commercial embryo transfer program. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 195:131-138. [PMID: 29778271 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects on embryo recovery rate and pregnancy rate of Mangalarga Marchador mares. The reproductive characteristics of donor and recipient mares were evaluated during five years in Brazilian tropical environment. The mares were used throughout the year and seasons were classified as: October to April (breeding season - BS); May (autumn transition out of the breeding season - ATBS); June to August (non-breeding season - nBS); and September (vernal transition into the breeding season - VTBS). Daily temperature rainfall and hours of daylight (photoperiod) were measured during all months and years of evaluation. The embryo recovery rate (ERR) and the pregnancy rate (PR) were observed and frequencies were calculated. The effect of environmental variables, day of flushing, and hormonal treatments (estradiol benzoate and progesterone) were determined for the reproductive measures using the Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significant effects were noted of the year, season and temperature on ERR (P < 0.05), but no significant effects were observed of the environmental parameters (year, season, hormone treatment, rainfall and photoperiod) on PR (P > 0.05). The day of uterine flush affected ERR (P < 0.05) but did not affect PR (P > 0.05). In addition, hormone treatment also supported favorable results of PR in recipient mares during nBS. The conclusion is that mares of this breed can be used in reproduction all year long, with good pregnancy rates, in Brazil's tropical environment. The hormone treatment also supported favorable pregnancy rates in recipient mares during the non-breeding season. It seems that mares can have good pregnancy rates throughout the year in Brazil´s tropical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alejandro Silva Rua
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil.
| | - Celia Raquel Quirino
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Cerqueira Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
| | - Mirela Mendes Christo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
| | - Marcus Antônio Pessanha Barreto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
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Boligon AA, Farias PP, Roso VM, Santana ML, Bignardi AB, Souza FRP. Genetic relations and indirect response to selection based on indices for scrotal circumference, visual scores and weight gain in beef cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an16365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
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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Corbet NJ, Allen JM, Laing AR, Fordyce G, McGowan MR, Burns BM. Using ultrasound to derive new reproductive traits in tropical beef breeds: implications for genetic evaluation. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Key components of female fertility in tropically adapted beef breeds are age at puberty and interval from calving to conception. Presence of an ovarian corpus luteum or stage of pregnancy were recorded using trans-rectal ultrasonography in 4649 heifers and 2925 first-lactation cows in seven herds of either Brahman, Droughtmaster or Santa Gertrudis tropical beef cattle breeds in northern Australia. The traits derived from a single ultrasonographic examination were incidence of corpus luteum at ~600 days of age in heifers, and weeks pregnant 5 weeks post-mating in heifers at ~2.5 years of age and in first-lactation cows at either 2.5 or 3.5 years of age. At 600 days of age, the bodyweight of heifers averaged 340 kg and 40% had a corpus luteum. At 2.5 years of age bodyweight of heifers averaged 452 kg and 80% were pregnant. First-lactation cows averaged 473 kg and 64% were pregnant. Considerable between-herd variation in traits reflected differences in climate and management at each site. However, estimates of heritability of incidence of corpus luteum at 600 days (0.18–0.32) and weeks pregnant in lactating cows (0.11–0.20) suggested that a significant proportion of the variation was due to additive gene action. Small to moderate genetic correlations with other economically important traits and the range in estimated breeding values indicate substantial opportunity for genetic improvement of the traits. The study provided evidence to accept the hypothesis that strategically timed ultrasound examinations can be adopted to derive useful traits for genetic evaluation.
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Genetic parameter estimates for temperament, heifer rebreeding, and stayability in Nellore cattle. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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de Oliveira LT, Bonafé CM, Fonseca e Silva F, Ventura HT, de Oliveira HR, de Oliveira Menezes GR, Vilela de Resende MD, Viana JMS. Bayesian random regression threshold models for genetic evaluation of pregnancy probability in Red Sindhi heifers. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Boligon AA, Vicente IS, Vaz RZ, Campos GS, Souza FRP, Carvalheiro R, Albuquerque LG. Principal component analysis of breeding values for growth and reproductive traits and genetic association with adult size in beef cattle1. J Anim Sci 2016; 94:5014-5022. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Raidan FSS, Santos DCC, Moraes MM, Araújo AEM, Ventura HT, Bergmann JAG, Turra EM, Toral FLB. Selection of performance-tested young bulls and indirect responses in commercial beef cattle herds on pasture and in feedlots. Genet Sel Evol 2016; 48:85. [PMID: 27829375 PMCID: PMC5103466 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-016-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central testing is used to select young bulls which are likely to contribute to increased net income of the commercial beef cattle herd. We present genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits on performance-tested young bulls and commercial animals that are raised on pasture and in feedlots. METHODS Records on young bulls and heifers in performance tests or commercial herds were used. Genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits were estimated. Correlated responses for commercial animals when selection was applied on performance-tested young bulls were computed. RESULTS The 90% highest posterior density (HPD90) intervals for heritabilities of final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG) and scrotal circumference (SC) ranged from 0.41 to 0.49, 0.23 to 0.30 and 0.47 to 0.57, respectively, for performance-tested young bulls on pasture, from 0.45 to 0.60, 0.20 to 0.32 and 0.56 to 0.70, respectively, for performance-tested young bulls in feedlots, from 0.29 to 0.33, 0.14 to 0.18 and 0.35 to 0.45, respectively, for commercial animals on pasture, and from 0.24 to 0.44, 0.13 to 0.24 and 0.35 to 0.57 respectively, for commercial animals in feedlots. The HPD90 intervals for genetic correlations of FW, ADG and SC in performance-tested young bulls on pasture (feedlots) with FW, ADG and SC in commercial animals on pasture (feedlots) ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 (0.83 to 0.94), 0.78 to 0.90 (0.40 to 0.79) and from 0.92 to 0.97 (0.50 to 0.83), respectively. Age at first calving was genetically related to ADG (HPD90 interval = -0.48 to -0.06) and SC (HPD90 interval = -0.41 to -0.05) for performance-tested young bulls on pasture, however it was not related to ADG (HPD90 interval = -0.29 to 0.10) and SC (HPD90 interval = -0.35 to 0.13) for performance-tested young bulls in feedlots. CONCLUSIONS Heritabilities for growth and SC are higher for performance-tested young bulls than for commercial animals. Evaluating and selecting for increased growth and SC on performance-tested young bulls is efficient to improve growth, SC and age at first calving in commercial animals. Evaluating and selecting performance-tested young bulls is more efficient for young bulls on pasture than in feedlots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda S S Raidan
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dalinne C C Santos
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana M Moraes
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Andresa E M Araújo
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Henrique T Ventura
- Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu, Uberaba, MG, 38022-330, Brazil
| | - José A G Bergmann
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Turra
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Fabio L B Toral
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Buzanskas ME, Pires PS, Chud TCS, Bernardes PA, Rola LD, Savegnago RP, Lôbo RB, Munari DP. Parameter estimates for reproductive and carcass traits in Nelore beef cattle. Theriogenology 2016; 92:204-209. [PMID: 28237337 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for scrotal circumference at 365 (SC365) and 450 (SC450) days of age, age at first calving (AFC), ribeye area (REA), backfat (BF) thickness, and rump fat (RF) thickness, in order to provide information on potential traits for Nelore cattle breeding program. Genetic parameters were estimated using the Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood method in single- and multitrait analyses. Four different animal models were tested for SC365, SC450, REA, BF, and RF in single-trait analyses. For SC365 and SC450, the maternal genetic effect was statistically significant (P < 0.01) and was included for multitrait analyses. The direct heritability estimates for SC365, SC450, AFC, REA, BF, and RF were equal to 0.31, 0.38, 0.24, 0.32, 0.16, and 0.19, respectively. Maternal heritability for SC365 and SC450 was equal to 0.06 and 0.08, respectively. The highest genetic correlations were found among the scrotal circumferences. Testing for the inclusion of maternal effects in genetic parameters estimation for scrotal circumference should be evaluated in the Nelore breeding program, mostly for correctly ranking the animal's estimated breeding values. Similar heritability estimates were observed for scrotal circumference, as well as favorable genetic correlations of this trait with AFC and carcass traits. Thus, scrotal circumference measured at 365 days of age could be a target trait for consideration in the Nelore selection index in order to improve most of the traits herein analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Buzanskas
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P S Pires
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - T C S Chud
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P A Bernardes
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L D Rola
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Núcleo de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cervídeos, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R P Savegnago
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R B Lôbo
- Associação Nacional de Criadores e Pesquisadores (ANCP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D P Munari
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
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31
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Fertility management of bulls to improve beef cattle productivity. Theriogenology 2016; 86:397-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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