Estimation of the genetic parameters for feed efficiency and carcass traits in Nellore bulls using a genomic matrix
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2025v46n5p1439Keywords:
Correlation, Heritability, Zebu cattle.Abstract
The selection of animals that are more efficient in feed utilization without compromising carcass quality is important for breeding programs, and genomic and pedigree information can be used to enhance the estimates of genetic values. In this context, this project aims to evaluate the genetic traits of residual feed intake (RFI), dry matter intake (DMI), ribeye area (REA), rib subcutaneous fat thickness (RFT), and rump subcutaneous fat thickness (RFT8) in Nellore bulls participating in the Nelore Qualitas® breeding program, utilizing a genomic matrix. The RFI and DMI data used in this study were collected during feed efficiency tests conducted between 2010 and 2023, involving 1,618 bulls with an average age of 643 ± 41 days, housed in individual and group pens. Technicians from commercial companies performed ultrasound scans to measure REA, RFT, and RFT8. Univariate and bivariate animal models, based on a Bayesian approach, were applied to estimate genetic parameters for the traits, using a single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP). Systematic effects of contemporary groups (pen and year), the linear covariate of age at the beginning of the test, and additive and residual effects were considered. Heritability estimates ranged from moderate to high, with values of 0.27 ± 0.05 (RFI), 0.30 ± 0.05 (DMI), 0.39 ± 0.05 (REA), 0.37 ± 0.04 (RFT), and 0.58 ± 0.05 (RFT8). Genetic correlations between RFI and carcass traits were low, ranging from -0.30 to 0.17, whereas a strong positive correlation was observed between RFI and DMI (0.77 ± 0.06). DMI showed low genetic correlations with carcass traits, ranging from -0.02 to 0.20, and a moderate to high correlation was found between RFT and RFT8 (0.66 ± 0.06) and between RFI and DMI (0.77 ± 0.06). Including feed efficiency and carcass traits in selection programs is feasible and important for improving both carcass quality and the profitability of production systems, as indicated by the heritability estimates.
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