Genetic correlations between body weight,scrotal circumference and visual evaluation scores in Bos indicus cattle |
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| Authors: | Luíza R A Abreu Paulo G M A Martins Lúcio F M Mota Talita A Ferreira Virgínia M P Ribeiro Severino D J Villela Fernanda A Merlo Aldrin V Pires |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil;2. Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Almenara, MG, Brazil;3. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, State University of S?o Paulo, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil;4. Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, MG, Brazil;5. Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders, MG, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | The objective was to estimate genetic correlations between body weight (BW), scrotal circumference and visual evaluation scores of body conformation measured at standard ages in Guzerat cattle. All measurements were performed at 205 (weaning age), 365, 450 and 550 days of age; for BW, two additional measurements (at birth and 120 days of age) were realized. The data utilized in this study were retrieved from a database of the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders that contained information of registered Guzerat animals born between 1970 and 2013. Genetic parameters were estimated in bi‐trait analyses by using Bayesian inference. Genetic correlations between BW at 205 and 450 days of age with other traits were high and positive, whereas the correlations between visual evaluation scores with other traits were moderate. Based on correlations herein obtained, we conclude that selection based on BW results in increased visual scores and scrotal circumference, leading to improvements in productive performance and animals with best body conformation. |
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| Keywords: | beef cattle genetic parameters Gibbs sampling Guzerat morphology traits |
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