Ovariectomy by left flank approach in prepubertal Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Modelos lineares generalizados mistos na avaliação genética da prenhez precoce na raça Nelore

This study aimed to use the generalized linear models with probit and logit link function to evaluate early pregnancy, and to observe the effects on genetic variability and on sire selection when different ages are adopted in the definition of this trait. Early pregnancy was studied at 15 (EP15), and 21 (EP21) months. The analysis was done in R software. Pearson correlations (PC), between genetic predicted values and percentage of bulls in common considering only 10% of bulls with higher genetic values (TOP 10), between classification by logit and probit models and in each model among EP15 and EP21, were calculated. The heritability for EP15 and EP21 were close between models, except for EP15 using probit link function. PC and TOP10 among models were high. The Akaike and Bayesian criteria reported was similar between models. TOP10, considering the same model, among EP15-EP21 were moderated between EP15-EP21.

Genetic correlations between categorical morphological traits in Nelore cattle by applying Bayesian analysis under a threshold animal model

P>In this study, Bayesian analysis under a threshold animal model was used to estimate genetic correlations between morphological traits (body structure, finishing precocity and muscling) in Nelore cattle evaluated at weaning and yearling. Visual scores obtained from 7651 Nelore cattle at weaning and from 4155 animals at yearling, belonging to the Brazilian Nelore Program, were used. Genetic parameters for the morphological traits were estimated by two-trait Bayesian analysis under a threshold animal model. The genetic correlations between the morphological traits evaluated at two ages of the animal (weaning and yearling) were positive and high for body structure (0.91), finishing precocity (0.96) and muscling (0.94). These results indicate that the traits are mainly determined by the same set of genes of additive action and that direct selection at weaning will also result in genetic progress for the same traits at yearling. Thus, selection of the best genotypes during only one phase of life of the animal is suggested. However, genetic differences between morphological traits were better detected during the growth phase to yearling. Direct selection for body structure, finishing precocity and muscling at only one age, preferentially at yearling, is recommended as genetic differences between traits can be detected at this age.

Influence of the breed of bull (Bos taurus indicus vs. Bos taurus taurus) and the breed of cow (Bos taurus indicus, Bos taurus taurus and crossbred) on the resistance of bovine embryos to heat

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)