Direct and maternal (co)variance components, genetic parameters, and annual trends for growth traits of Makooei sheep in Iran

Genetic parameters and genetic trends for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), and yearling weight (YW) traits were estimated by using records of 5,634 Makooei lambs, descendants of 289 sires and 1,726 dams, born between 1996 and 2009 at the Makooei sheep breeding station, West Azerbaijan, Iran. The (co)variance components were estimated with different animal models using a restricted maximum likelihood procedure and the most appropriate model for each trait was determined by Akaike’s Information Criterion. Breeding values of animals were predicted with best linear unbiased prediction methodology under multi-trait animal models and genetic trends were estimated by regression mean breeding values on birth year. The most appropriate model for BW was a model including direct and maternal genetic effects, regardless of their covariance. The model for WW and 6MW included direct additive genetic effects. The model for YW included direct genetic effects only. Direct heritabilities based on the best model were estimated 0.15?±?0.04, 0.16?±?0.03, 0.21?±?0.04, and 0.22?±?0.06 for BW, WW, 6MW, and YW, respectively, and maternal heritability obtained 0.08?±?0.02 for BW. Genetic correlations among the traits were positive and varied from 0.28 for BW–YW to 0.66 for BW–WW and phenotypic correlations were generally lower than the genetic correlations. Genetic trends were 8.1?±?2, 67.4?±?5, 38.7?±?4, and 47.6?±?6 g per year for BW, WW, 6MW, and YW, respectively.     

Genetic parameters for growth traits in Mexican Nellore cattle

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits in Mexican Nellore cattle. A univariate animal model was used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters. The traits evaluated were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW). Models used included the fixed effects of contemporary groups (herd, sex, year, and season of birth) and age of dam (linear and quadratic) as a covariate. They also included the animal, dam, and residual as random effects. Phenotypic means (SD) for BW, WW, and YW were 31.4 (1.6), 175 (32), and 333 (70) kg, respectively. Direct heritability, maternal heritability, and the genetic correlation between additive direct and maternal effects were 0.59, 0.17, and −0.90 for BW; 0.29, 0.17, and −0.90 for WW; and 0.24, 0.15, and −0.86 for YW, respectively. The results showed moderate direct and maternal heritabilities for the studied traits. The genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects were negative and high for all the traits indicating important tradeoffs between direct and maternal effects. There are significant possibilities for genetic progress for the growth traits studied if they are included in a breeding program considering these associations.     

Genetic parameters for birth weight,weaning weight and age at first calving in Brown Swiss cattle in Mexico

Heritabilities and genetic correlations between birth weight (n = 13,741), adjusted 240-day weaning weight (WW, n = 8,806) and age at first calving (AFC, n = 3,955) of Brown Swiss cattle in Mexico were estimated. Data from 91 herds located in 19 of 32 states of Mexico from 1982 to 2006 were provided by the Mexican Brown cattle Breeder Association. Components of (co)variance, direct and maternal heritabilities were estimated for birth weight, WW and AFC using bivariate animal models. Direct and maternal heritabilities were 0.21 and 0.05 for birth weight, 0.40 and 0.05 for WW, whereas direct heritability for AFC was 0.08. The correlations between direct and maternal effects for birth weight and WW were −0.49 and −0.64, respectively. The genetic correlations between birth weight–WW and WW–AFC were 0.36 and −0.02, respectively. Under the conditions of this study, selection for increasing birth weight would increase WW, but increasing WW will not change AFC.     

Direct and maternal genetic effects due to the introduction of Bos taurus alleles into Brahman cattle in Florida: II. Preweaning growth traits

Records of birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and condition score (CS) from 1,467 Brahman and Brahman X Angus crossbred calves from Brahman and crossbred Brahman sires and Brahman, crossbred Brahman and Angus dams were collected at the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, Florida, from 1971 to 1982. Best linear unbiased estimates (BLUE) of Brahman sire and dam group additive genetic effects (as deviations from Angus) and Brahman X Angus dam and calf group nonadditive (intralocus) genetic effects (as deviations from intralocus group genetic effects in the parental breeds) were obtained. Linear combinations of these were used to compute direct and maternal Brahman additive and Brahman X Angus nonadditive (intralocus) group genetic effects. The respective BLUE of these four effects were 5.99 +/- 2.08, -5.70 +/- 1.91, .52 +/- 1.81 and 2.85 +/- .72 kg for BW; 9.60 +/- 10.29, 8.76 +/- 9.47, 9.47 +/- 8.96 and 20.95 +/- 3.56 kg for WW; and -1.10 +/- .55, 1.64 +/- .50, 1.47 +/- .47 and .05 +/- .19 units for CS. Linear combinations of the BLUE of sire, dam and calf group genetic effects can be used to predict the genetic worth of crossbred groups composed of any combination of Brahman and Angus breeding. Nonadditive maternal group genetic effects were the most important factor for BW and WW, whereas nonadditive direct group genetic effects were the most important for CS.     

Genetic parameter estimation for pre- and post-weaning traits in Brahman cattle in Brazil

Beef cattle producers in Brazil use body weight traits as breeding program selection criteria due to their great economic importance. The objectives of this study were to evaluate different animal models, estimate genetic parameters, and define the most fitting model for Brahman cattle body weight standardized at 120 (BW120), 210 (BW210), 365 (BW365), 450 (BW450), and 550 (BW550) days of age. To estimate genetic parameters, single-, two-, and multi-trait analyses were performed using the animal model. The likelihood ratio test was verified between all models. For BW120 and BW210, additive direct genetic, maternal genetic, maternal permanent environment, and residual effects were considered, while for BW365 and BW450, additive direct genetic, maternal genetic, and residual effects were considered. Finally, for BW550, additive direct genetic and residual effects were considered. Estimates of direct heritability for BW120 were similar in all analyses; however, for the other traits, multi-trait analysis resulted in higher estimates. The maternal heritability and proportion of maternal permanent environmental variance to total variance were minimal in multi-trait analyses. Genetic, environmental, and phenotypic correlations were of high magnitude between all traits. Multi-trait analyses would aid in the parameter estimation for body weight at older ages because they are usually affected by a lower number of animals with phenotypic information due to culling and mortality.     

Direct genetic, maternal genetic, and heterozygosity effects on weaning weight in a Colombian multibreed beef cattle population

The (co)variance components of BW at weaning (WW) were estimated for a Colombian multibreed beef cattle population. A single-trait animal model was used. The model included the fixed effect of contemporary group (sex, season, and year), and covariates including age of calf at weaning, age of cow, individual and maternal heterozygosity proportions, and breed percentage. Direct genetic, maternal genetic, permanent environmental, and residual effects were included as random effects. Direct, maternal, and total heritabilities were 0.23 +/- 0.047, 0.15 +/- 0.041, and 0.19, respectively. The genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects was -0.42 +/- 0.131, indicating that there may be antagonism among genes for growth and genes for maternal ability, which in turn suggests that improving WW by direct and maternal EPD may be difficult. A greater value for the direct heterosis effect compared with the maternal heterosis effect was found. Furthermore, the greater the proportion of Angus, Romosinuano, and Blanco Orejinegro breeds, the less the WW.     

基于系谱和基因组信息估计荷斯坦青年母牛体重性状遗传参数

旨在设计利用不同信息来源的模型估计荷斯坦后备牛不同月龄体重性状的遗传参数。本研究于2014—2020年测定并收集了7 122头荷斯坦牛32 338条0~12月龄体重数据，分别利用系谱信息（linear mixed model with pedigree relationship matrix，LM_A）和系谱-基因组信息构建亲缘关系矩阵（linear mixed model with genotype-pedigree joint relationship matrix，LM_H），基于母体效应动物模型估计初生重，基于是否考虑初生重作为协变量的单性状动物模型估计2~12月龄各月龄体重遗传力，并利用双性状动物模型估计初生重与其它月龄体重的遗传相关。结果显示，对于初生重，根据赤池信息量准则（Akaike information criterion，AIC），LM_H方法的拟合程度显著优于LM_A方法，但两种方法估计的遗传参数相差不大：直接遗传力分别为0.30和0.32，母体遗传力分别为0.08和0.09，个体直接遗传效应和母体遗传效应遗传相关系数分别为-0.65和-0.64；对于2~12月龄体重，LM_A和LM_H两种方法估计的校正初生重后的各月龄体重遗传力分别为0.15~0.55和0.28~0.49，未校正初生重的各月龄体重遗传力分别为0.16~0.54和0.28~0.51。初生重与2、5月龄体重之间为高遗传相关（相关系数>0.6）。5月龄后，各月龄体重与初生重的遗传相关系数随着时间间隔的增加而减小。相较于LM_A，LM_H方法更稳定，AIC值较小（即拟合优度较大），遗传参数标准误较小。综上，采用LM_H方法估计目标性状可获得更准确、更稳定的遗传参数。本研究为建立中国荷斯坦牛生长性状基因组选择体系提供了理论依据。     

Estimates of direct and maternal (co)variance components as well as genetic parameters of growth traits in Nellore sheep

In the present study, (co)variance components and genetic parameters in Nellore sheep were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method using six different animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), 9-month weight (9MW) and 12-month weight (YW). Evaluated records of 2075 lambs descended from 69 sires and 478 dams over a period of 8 years (2007–2014) were collected from the Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, India. Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing and parity of dam were the fixed effects in the model, and ewe weight was used as a covariate. Best model for each trait was determined by log-likelihood ratio test. Direct heritability for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW were 0.08, 0.03, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.10, respectively, and their corresponding maternal heritabilities were 0.07, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08 and 0.11. The proportions of maternal permanent environment variance to phenotypic variance (Pe²) were 0.07, 0.10, 0.07, 0.06 and 0.10 for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW, respectively. The estimates of direct genetic correlations among the growth traits were positive and ranged from 0.44(BW-WW) to 0.96(YW-9MW), and the estimates of phenotypic and environmental correlations were found to be lower than those of genetic correlations. Exclusion of maternal effects in the model resulted in biased estimates of genetic parameters in Nellore sheep. Hence, to implement optimum breeding strategies for improvement of traits in Nellore sheep, maternal effects should be considered.     

Genetic associations of visual scores with subsequent rebreeding and days to first calving in Nellore cattle

Records of Nellore animals born from 1990 to 2006 were used to estimate genetic correlations of visual scores at yearling (conformation, C; finishing precocity, P; and muscling, M) with primiparous subsequent rebreeding (SR) and days to first calving (DC), because the magnitude of these associations is still unknown. Genetic parameters were estimated by multiple‐traits Bayesian analysis, using a nonlinear (threshold) animal models for visual scores and SR and a linear animal models for weaning weight (WW) and DC. WW was included in the analysis to account for the effects of sequential selection. The posterior means of heritabilities estimated for C, P, M, SR and DC were 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.31 ± 0.01, 0.30 ± 0.01, 0.18 ± 0.02 and 0.06 ± 0.02, respectively. The posterior means of genetic correlations estimated between SR and visual scores were low and positive, with values of 0.09 ± 0.02 (C), 0.19 ± 0.03 (P) and 0.18 ± 0.05 (M). On the other hand, negative genetic correlations were found between DC and C (?0.11 ± 0.09), P (?0.19 ± 0.09) and M (?0.16 ± 0.09). The primiparous rebreeding trait has genetic variability in Nellore cattle. The genetic correlations between visual scores, and SR and DC were low and favourable. The genetic changes in C, P and M were 0.02, 0.03 and 0.03/year, respectively. For SR and DC, genetic trends were 0.01/year and ?0.01 days/year, respectively, indicating that the increase in genetic merit for reproductive traits was small over time. Direct selection for visual scores together with female reproductive traits is recommended to increase the fertility of beef cows.     

Direct and maternal variances and covariances and maternal phenotypic effects on preweaning growth of beef cattle

Birth weights (BW) and weaning weights (WW) of 4,423 non-creep-fed Hereford calves were used to estimate direct and maternal sources of variation and maternal phenotypic effects (fm). Seventeen different (co)variances among relatives were estimated through Henderson's Method III and restricted estimated maximum likelihood procedures. Direct and maternal (co)variances and fm were evaluated by multiple regression procedures. Estimates of h2 for BW and WW were .28 and .28 respectively, by the paternal half-sib procedure and .45 and .88, respectively, based on full-sibs. Repeatability estimates were .21 for BW and .30 for WW. Heritabilities based on regression of offspring on dam and offspring on sire were .45 and .21 for BW and .28 and .06 for WW, respectively. Negative correlations were found between solutions for additive genetic direct and additive maternal effects (rG). Estimates of rG ranged from -.86 to -1.05 for BW and from -.57 to -.79 for WW. Estimates of heritability for direct effects (h2o), for maternal effects (h2m) and for total additive genetic effects (h2T) were .16 to .27, .18 to .63 and -.02 to .05 for BW and .26 to .32, .27 to .67 and .10 to .20 for WW. Dominance affected both direct and maternal effects for BW and WW. Values of -.15 (BW) and -.25 (WW) were found for fm (path coefficient between the maternal phenotypes of dam and daughter). These results indicated that selection response would be decreased due to the negative genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects.     

Estimation of genetic parameters for mature weight in Angus cattle

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for BW of Angus cattle up to 5 yr of age and to discuss options for including mature weight (MW) in their genetic evaluation. Data were obtained from the American Angus Association. Only records from herds with at least 500 animals and with >10% of animals with BW at ≥ 2 yr of age were considered. Traits were weaning weight (WW, n = 81,525), yearling weight (YW, n = 62,721), and BW measured from 2 to 5 yr of age (MW2, n = 15,927; MW3, n = 12,404; MW4, n = 9,805; MW5, n = 7,546). Genetic parameters were estimated using an AIREML algorithm with a multiple-trait animal model. Fixed effects were contemporary group and departure of the actual age from standard age (205, 365, 730, 1,095, 1,460, and 1,825 d of age for WW, YW, MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5, respectively). Random effects were animal direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environment, and residual. Estimates of direct genetic variances (kg(2)) were 298 ± 71.8, 563 ± 15.1, 925 ± 52.1, 1,221 ± 65.8, 1,406 ± 80.4, and 1,402 ± 66.9; maternal genetic variances were 167 ± 4.8, 153 ± 6.1, 123 ± 9.1, 136 ± 12.25, 167 ± 18.0, and 110 ± 14.0; maternal permanent environment variances were 124 ± 2.9, 120 ± 4.3, 61 ± 7.5, 69 ± 11.9, 103 ± 15.9, and 134 ± 35.2; and residual variances were 258 ± 3.8, 608 ± 8.6, 829 ± 34.2, 1,016 ± 38.8, 1,017 ± 52.1, and 1,202 ± 63.22 for WW, YW, MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5, respectively. The direct genetic correlation between WW and YW was 0.84 ± 0.14 and between WW and MW ranged from 0.66 ± 0.06 (WW and MW4) to 0.72 ± 0.11 (WW and MW2). Direct genetic correlations ranged from 0.77 ± 0.08 (YW and MW5) to 0.85 ± 0.07 (YW and MW2) between YW and MW, and they were ≥ 0.95 among MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5. Maternal genetic correlations between WW and YW and MW ranged from 0.52 ± 0.05 (WW and MW4) to 0.95 ± 0.07 (WW and YW), and among MW they ranged from 0.54 ± 0.14 (MW4 and MW5) to 0.94 ± 0.07 (MW2 and MW3). Genetic correlations suggest that a genetic evaluation for MW may be MW2-based and that including BW from older ages could be accomplished by adjusting records to the scale of MW2.     

Estimates of Breed Average Direct,Maternal and Heterosis Effects for Some Pre-weaning Traits of Zebu Breeds and Their Crosses in Southeastern Mexico

Information on 936 birth weights (BW), adjusted weaning weights (AWW) and average daily gains (ADG) from Brahman (B), Indubrazil (I), Gyr (G) and commercial Zebu (C) cattle and their crosses were obtained from the records of a farm in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. Two statistical models were used to analyse the data: the first included the effects of year and season of birth, sex of the calf, cow's parity number and breed group. The other model included the same environmental effects as the previous model and the genetic components of breed group (breed additive, breed maternal and heterosis effects). Additive and maternal effects were expressed as deviations from those for the B breed. The means of BW, AWW and ADG for the B breed were 33.3 ± 0.64 kg, 204.0 ± 4.9 kg and 760.06 ± 19.24 g/day, respectively. Both models gave similar results in terms of the variance explained. Additive effects were significant (p < 0.05) for AWW and ADG but not for BW. The minor additive effect was for the C breed (−10.75 kg and −40.77 g for WW and ADG, respectively). Maternal and heterosis effects were not significant (p > 0.05) for any of the traits. The correlation between the breed group means and the means estimated by the prediction equation was r = 0.88. Finally, there was no significant genetic effect on pre-weaning calf performance among the genotypes evaluated. The genetic model can be used to predict the genotype means with a high degree of accuracy. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic analysis of growth,visual scores,height, and carcass traits in Nelore cattle

Covariance components were estimated for growth traits (BW, birth weight; WW, weaning weight; YW, yearling weight), visual scores (BQ, breed quality; CS, conformation; MS, muscling; NS, navel; PS, finishing precocity), hip height (HH), and carcass traits (BF, backfat thickness; LMA, longissimus muscle area) measured at yearling. Genetic gains were obtained and validation models on direct and maternal effects for BW and WW were fitted. Genetic correlations of growth traits with CS, PS, MS, and HH ranged from 0.20 ± 0.01 to 0.94 ± 0.01 and were positive and low with NS (0.11 ± 0.01 to 0.20 ± 0.01) and favorable with BQ (0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.02). Null to moderate genetic correlations were obtained between growth and carcass traits. Genetic gains were positive and significant, except for BW. An increase of 0.76 and 0.72 kg is expected for BW and WW, respectively, per unit increase in estimated breeding value (EBV) for direct effect and an additional 0.74 and 1.43, respectively, kg per unit increase in EBV for the maternal effect. Monitoring genetic gains for HH and NS is relevant to maintain an adequate body size and a navel morphological correction, if necessary. Simultaneous selection for growth, morphological, and carcass traits in line with improve maternal performance is a feasible strategy to increase herd productivity.     

Genetic variability of maternal effect on body measurements and its intra‐ and inter‐genetic relationship with direct effect in Japanese Black calves

This study was conducted to evaluate the importance of maternal effect on body measurement traits at an early stage of growth, and to estimate the genetic relationships between direct and maternal effects and among body measurement traits at 0 month (0‐mo) and 4 months (4‐mo) of age in a population of Japanese Black calves. Body measurements and body weight of 889 Japanese Black calves were estimated with the use of an animal model by the Residual Maximum Likelihood procedure. Direct heritabilities were low to moderate, ranging between 0.17 ± 0.09 and 0.48 ± 0.13 at 0‐mo, and slightly lower, ranging between 0.15 ± 0.07 and 0.33 ± 0.13 at 4‐mo. Estimated maternal heritabilities were low to moderate, ranging between 0.08 ± 0.07 and 0.33 ± 0.07 at 0‐mo and 0.13 ± 0.06 to 0.33 ± 0.06 at 4‐mo. The direct genetic correlations between 0‐mo and 4‐mo were moderate to highly positive, ranging from 0.53 ± 0.23 to 0.96 ± 0.09. The estimated direct genetic correlation of chest width with other width traits was low and positive at both ages, whereas with hip width it was high and positive (0.80 ± 0.09) at 0‐mo, suggesting that simultaneous improvement of body width of the front and back parts is possible. Maternal genetic effects were relatively independent of direct genetic effects for body measurement traits and can be considered in genetic evaluation.     

Genetic analysis of calf market weight and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle

Heritabilities of and genetic correlations between additive direct and maternal genetic effects for calf market weight, and additive direct genetic effects for carcass traits, were estimated for Japanese Black cattle by REML procedures under 2-trait animal models. Data were collected from calf and carcass markets in Hyogo and Tottori prefectures and analyzed separately by prefecture. Calf market weight was measured on 42,745 and 23,566 calves in Hyogo and Tottori, respectively. Only the fattening animals with calf market weight were extracted from the carcass database and used for estimation. The carcass traits analyzed were carcass weight, ribeye area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, yield estimate, beef marbling score, and 4 meat characters (color, brightness, firmness, and texture). Direct and maternal heritabilities for calf market weight were estimated to be 0.22 and 0.07 in Hyogo, and 0.37 and 0.15 in Tottori, respectively. The estimates of heritabilities for carcass traits were moderate to high in both prefectures. The estimates of direct-maternal genetic correlations for calf market weight were positive (0.17) in Hyogo and negative (-0.63) in Tottori. The direct effect for calf market weight was positively correlated with the direct effect for carcass weight (0.87 and 0.56 in Hyogo and Tottori, respectively) but negatively correlated with the direct effect for beef marbling score (-0.10 in both prefectures). The estimates of genetic correlations between the maternal effect for calf market weight and the direct effects for carcass traits varied from -0.13 to 0.34 in Hyogo and from -0.14 to 0.15 in Tottori. Because direct and maternal genetic effects for early growth traits can be evaluated from calf market weight data in the production system of Japanese Black cattle, this information should be incorporated into selection and mating schemes of the breed.     

Genetic parameters for nuclear and nonnuclear inheritance in three synthetic lines of beef cattle differing in mature size.

Genetic parameters for nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic effects were estimated from preweaning growth data collected on three synthetic lines of beef cattle differing in mature size. Lines of small-, medium-, and large-framed calves were represented in each of two research herds (Rhodes and McNay). Variance components were estimated separately by herd and size line for birth weight and 205-d weight (WW) by REML with an animal mode using an average of 847 and 427 calf records from Rhodes and McNay, respectively. Model 1 included effects of fixed year, sex of calf, age of dam, and random additive direct (a), additive maternal genetic (m), covariance (a,m), permanent environment affecting the dam, and residual error. Model 2 differed from Model 1 by including random cytoplasmic lineage effects and by ignoring permanent environmental effects. Model 1--direct (maternal) heritability estimates for birth weight at Rhodes were .62(.03) for small, .67(.06) for medium, and .30(.11) for large lines. Genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects for birth weight were .67, -.16, and .48 for the respective size groups. For WW at Rhodes, direct (maternal) heritability estimates were .30(.29), .30(.14), and .10(.16) for small, medium, and large lines, respectively, with genetic correlations of -.34 (small), -.12 (medium), and .17 (large). Heritability estimates at McNay were similar to those at Rhodes, except that maternal genetic heritabilities for WW were smaller (.10, small; .01, medium; .00, large). Model 2--estimates for nuclear genetic effects were consistent with the estimates from Model 1. Cytoplasmic variance accounted for 0 to 5% of the total random variance in birth weight. For WW, cytoplasmic variance was negligible at Rhodes and accounted for 4% of the total random variance in the large line at McNay, averaging less than the permanent environment. Results failed to indicate that cytoplasmic variance was important for preweaning performance.     

Sire × pasture program interaction effects on preweaning performance of crossbred beef calves

Records on crossbred calves from the eight crosses between Angus (A) and Hereford (H) cows, and A, H, Jersey, Simmental and Brahman sires, and raised in two pasture programs were used to assess sire × pasture interactions on preweaning traits. There were 518–734 calves from 252–318 dams and 122–166 sires in the data set; numbers vary by traits. Sires, AI or natural service, constituted a representative sample of the breeds. Pasture programs differed principally in the winter period (tall fescue hay vs. corn silage). Heritabilities across and within pastures were: 0.28±0.19 and 0.28 ± 0.19 for birth weight (BW ); 0.08 ± 0.58 and 0.58 ± 0.19 for weaning weight (WW); 0.30 ± 0.41 and 0.71 ± 0.19 for weight adjusted to 205 days (W205); 0.00 ± 0.00 and 0.36 ± 0.15 for daily gain (DG); 0.61 ±0.35 and 0.94±0.25 for frame score (FRAM); 0.14±0.38 and 0.53±0.22 for muscle score (MUSC); and 0.00±0.00 and 0.14±0.21 for conformation score (CONF), respectively. Correlations between progenies of the same sire in different pasture programs are: 1.00±0.00 for BW; 0.13±0.99 for WW; 0.42±0.58 for W205; 0.00±0.00 for DG; 0.65±0.34 for FRAM; 0.27±0.71 for MUSC; and 0.00±0.00 for CONF. Except for birth weight, estimates (although imprecise) suggest that changes in the ranking of sires should be expected to occur between the two environments, possibly in part from incomplete adjustment for changes in season of calving between pasture environments for calves sired by the same sire.     

Estimating non-genetic and genetic parameters of pre-weaning growth traits in Raini Cashmere goat

Data and pedigree information used in the present study were 3,022 records of kids obtained from the breeding station of Raini goat. The studied traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG) and Kleiber ratio at weaning (KR). The model included the fixed effects of sex of kid, type of birth, age of dam, year of birth, month of birth, and age of kid (days) as covariate that had significant effects, and random effects direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environmental effects and residual. (Co) variance components were estimated using univariate and multivariate analysis by WOMBAT software applying four animal models including and ignoring maternal effects. Likelihood ratio test used to determine the most appropriate models. Heritability ( \texth_\texta² ) \left( {{\text{h}}_{\text{a}}^2} \right) estimates for BW, WW, ADG, and KR according to suitable model were 0.12 ± 0.05, 0.08 ± 0.06, 0.10 ± 0.06, and 0.06 ± 0.05, respectively. Estimates of the proportion of maternal permanent environmental effect to phenotypic variance (c ²) were 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.07 ± 0.03, and 0.07 ± 0.03 for BW, WW, and ADG, respectively. Genetic correlations among traits were positive and ranged from 0.53 (BW-ADG) to 1.00 (WW-ADG, WW-KR, and ADG-KR). The maternal permanent environmental correlations between BW-WW, BW-ADG, and WW-ADG were 0.54, 0.48, and 0.99, respectively. Results indicated that maternal effects, especially maternal permanent environmental effects are an important source of variation in pre-weaning growth trait and ignoring those in the model redound incorrect genetic evaluation of kids.     

Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Variance Components for Growth Traits of Nguni Cattle in Limpopo Province,South Africa

Estimates of (co)variance and genetic parameters of birth, weaning (205 days) and yearling (365 days) weight were obtained using single-trait animal models. The data were analysed by restricted maximum likelihood, fitting an animal model that included direct and maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects. The data included records collected between 1976 and 2001. The pedigree information extended as far back as early 1960s. The heritabilities for direct effects of birth, weaning and yearling weights were 0.36, 0.29 and 0.25, respectively. Heritability estimates for maternal effects were 0.13, 0.16 and 0.15 for birth, weaning and yearling weights, respectively. The correlations between direct and maternal additive genetic effects were negative for all traits analysed. The results indicate that both direct and maternal effects should be included in a selection programme for all the traits analysed.     

(Co)variance components, genetic parameters and annual trends for calf weights in a pedigree Brahman herd under selection for three decades

A 300 cow Brahman herd kept on improved pasture was subjected to a selection and management programme based on a limited breeding season. Artificial insemination using mainly progeny tested bulls was used in part of the herd and the rest were bred in single sire herds. Of the 200 sires used during the 30 year period, 82% were homebred and selected principally for high estimated breeding value of 18-month weight. Variance components of birth (BW), weaning (205 W) and 18-month (548 W) weights of 6130 calves born 1968 through to 1997 were estimated by the Restricted Maximum Likelihood method (REML) using uni- and bivariate animal models. For each weight the animal's direct and maternal genetic and the dam's permanent environmental effects were considered random and those of sex, year and month of birth and age of cow were considered fixed, but the models differed as far as the number of significant interactions included. Adjusted least squares means for BW, 205 W and 548 W were 28, 158 and 292 kg. Phenotypic and direct and maternal genetic trends from univariate analysis were for BW: 0.156, 0.061 and −0.001 kg; for 205 W: 0.471, 0.126 and 0.044 kg; for 548 W: 1.973, 0.486 and 0.251 kg per year. Direct and maternal heritabilities from univariate analyses were for BW, 205 W and 548 W, 0.33 and 0.08; 0.07 and 0.14; 0.13 and 0.08, respectively. Genetic direct-maternal correlations for the three weights were −0.37, −0.13 and 0.49 and permanent environmental variance of the dam as proportion of phenotypic variance (c²) had values of 0.03, 0.16 and 0.01, respectively. Direct and maternal genetic correlations were for BW: 205 W, 0.64 and 0.74; for BW: 548 W, 0.35 and 0.74; and for 205 W: 548 W, 0.64 and 0.96. Future genetic work in the herd should put more emphasis on the improvement of cow efficiency for sustainable beef production on native and improved pasture.