The genetic and genomic effects of Nellore lineages on feed efficiency, intake and performance

• Published in: Livestock science Vol. 228; pp. 104 - 108
• Main Authors: Santana, Miguel Henrique de Almeida, Polizel, Guilherme Henrique Gebim, Grigoletto, Lais, Fernandes, Arícia Christofaro, Bonin, Marina de Nadai, Gomes, Rodrigo da Costa, Carvalho, Minos Esperândio, Silva, Saulo da Luz e, Leme, Paulo Roberto, Junior, Paulo Rossi, Ferraz, José Bento Sterman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Bos indicus; Founders; Genetic value; Genomic; Residual feed intake; Selection; Residual feed intake; Bos indicus; Genetic value; Selection; Founders; Genomic
• ISSN: 1871-1413; 1878-0490
• DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.08.003

•There are differences between Nellore lineages for feed intake and efficiency.•Inclusion of genomic data increases the accuracy of breeding value.•It is possible to exploit the genetic differences in breeding programmes. The capacity of beef cattle to transform feed into meat is fundamental to this production system, but it has not been accounted for in the genetic selection of Nellore animals, a main tropical breed. The objective of the present study was to verify differences in the genetic effects between Nellore lineages, allied to the inclusion of genomic data in these estimates. Phenotypic data of 2058 Nellore cattle were used for the following traits: average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI). The pedigree contained 9,079 animals, of which 2226 were genotyped. Eleven main founders were selected of the Nellore breed (Founder), as well as 19 new founders (Breeder), with cattle that are highly representative animals of this breed. The genetic and genomic effects of each founder and its accuracy were estimated by the average information restricted maximum likelihood method using the program BLUPF90. There was genetic variability in Nellore lineages in terms of performance, feed intake and efficiency, and the accuracy of these estimates increased with the inclusion of genomics. Thus, it is possible to choose progenitors of the best lineages, with better genetic potential and good accuracy, to improve these traits in beef production.