Non-additive genetic effects on weights and performance of a Brazilian Bos taurus x Bos indicus beef composite

• Published in: Genetics and molecular research Vol. 7; no. 4; pp. 1156 - 1163
• Main Authors: Mourão, G.B, Ferraz, J.B.S, Eler, J.P, Bueno, R.S, Balieiro, J.C.C, Mattos, E.C, Figueiredo, L.G.G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil 01.01.2008
• Subjects: Animals; beef cattle; beef quality; Body Weight - genetics; Bos indicus; Bos taurus; Cattle; Crosses, Genetic; heterosis; Hybrid Vigor - genetics; Hybridization, Genetic - genetics; hybrids; mathematical models; Meat; non-additive genetic effect; outcrossing; weight gain; zebu; Brazil
• ISSN: 1676-5680; 1676-5680
• DOI: 10.4238/vol7-4gmr501

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the heterosis effects on weaning weight at 205 days (WW, n = 146,464), yearling weight at 390 days (YW, n = 69,315) and weight gain from weaning to yearling (WG, n = 59,307) in composite beef cattle. The fixed models were: RM, which included contemporary groups, class of age of dam, outcrossing percentages for direct and maternal effects, and additive direct and maternal (AM) breed effects; R, RM model, minus AM breed effects, and H, RM model, minus additive breed effects. The estimates for W205 were in general positive (P < 0.01). The R and H models resulted in similar estimates, but they were very different from the ones estimated by the RM model. For W390, the R and H models resulted in general positive estimates (P < 0.05). For WG, the RM model resulted in general significant heterosis effects (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the RM model seems to supply estimates of better quality (P < 0.01).