Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para perímetro escrotal e pesos em animais da raça Nelore

Abstract

This study was carried out to estimate genetic parameters for scrotal circumference (SC) and weights (W) taken at different ages in Nelore male participants of a breeding program sponsored by National Association of Breeders and Researchers. In the first paper there were estimated genetic parameters for the characteristics of the SC and W at 210, 280, 365, and 450 days of age (SC210, SC280, SC365, SC450, W210, W280, W365 and W450 respectively). The components of (co)variances were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood method under an animal model in multi-trait analysis. The heritability estimates for direct effect were: 0,45±0,05 (SC210); 0,34±0,02 (SC280), 0,35±0,02 (SC365); 0,45±0,02 (SC450); 0,39±0,05 (W210); 0,31±0,03 (W280); 0,23±0,02 (W365), and 0,20±0,02 (W450), while estimates of heritability for the maternal effect for the weights were 0,08±0,02; 0,05±0,01; 0,05±0,01, and 0,03±0,01, respectively, for W210, W280, W365, and W450. These results suggest that the use of the measure of the SC as a selection criterion may contribute to reproductive genetic gain. The genetic correlations between SC were positive and medium to high magnitude, as between the SC and W were positive and showed a smaller magnitude compared to the estimated between measures of SC at differents ages. These genetic correlations indicate that only one measurement of SC can be effective for selection, and older age for this evaluation is recommended at 450 days of age. In the second article, it was analyzed 29,691 SC measures taken between 134 and 495 days of age, by random regression models under uni-trait analysis. To model the mean population curve, was used a third order fixed regression on Legendre polynomials. There were considered three random effects and differents orders of polynomial fit. Residual variances were considered homogeneous or heterogeneous. The model chosen was the one with homogeneous residual variance (M45_1). The heritability estimates obtained from the 360 days were greater than 0.42, indicating that the selection in this period should provide better response. High and positive genetic correlations were estimated between measures of SC, being higher for the measurements at closer ages. Because of the genetic correlation estimates between the SC measured at different ages were positive and with high magnitudes, the selection can be done in only one age. The best age for the measurement of SC indicated by the less parameterized model is after 360 days, and the closer to 495 days, the higher estimates. In the third article the data were analyzed using a random regression model in bi-traits analysis to estimate genetic parameters for SC and W. The mean population curve was modeled using third order fixed regression using Legendre polynomials. The analysis model considered the residual effect as constant throughout the period of age evaluated. The highest estimate of SC heritability was found close to 495 days of age (0.52), while the maximum value for W (0.35) was observed at 290 and 495 days of age. These values suggest that selection for both traits should promote genetic gain. The values of genetic correlations between SC and W ranged from -0.22 to 0.59 over the period studied. These values suggest a correlated response of different magnitudes, depending on the selected characteristic and also the age at which the selection was performed. The measurement of scrotal circumference at 450 days can be used as selection criteria in the studied population.