Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
07:46
Exploring the Longissimus Muscle: Unraveling its Correlation with Meat Quality in Bos indicus and Crossbred Bulls
Published on: July 12, 2024
Genetic parameters for postweaning traits in Braunvieh cattle
D C Cucco1, J B S Ferraz, J P Eler
1Departamento de Ciências Básicas, Grupo de Melhoramento Animal e Biotecnologia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil. diegocucco@yahoo.com.br
Genetics and Molecular Research : GMR
|April 15, 2010
Summary
Genetic parameters for Braunvieh cattle growth were analyzed in Brazil. Maternal influence is significant for postweaning weight up to 550 days, with heritability decreasing as animals age.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Quantitative Genetics
- Livestock Production
Background:
- Understanding genetic parameters for postweaning growth is crucial for improving beef cattle breeds.
- Braunvieh cattle in Brazil are raised under tropical and sub-tropical conditions, necessitating breed-specific growth analyses.
- Previous studies may not fully capture the genetic architecture of growth traits in this specific environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate genetic parameters for various postweaning weight and weight gain traits in Braunvieh cattle.
- To assess the influence of direct and maternal genetic effects on growth traits.
- To determine the impact of environmental factors on weight gain in different postweaning periods.
Main Methods:
- A full animal model was employed to estimate variance components.
- The MTDFREML software was utilized for the genetic analyses.
- Data included weight and weight gain records from 18,688 animals with a relationship matrix of 35,188 animals.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for postweaning weights decreased with advancing age.
- Direct heritability for weight at 365 days was 0.29, decreasing to 0.16 at 550 days.
- Maternal heritability remained significant up to 550 days, with total heritability estimates ranging from 0.26 to 0.35.
- Genetic correlations were higher for weights measured closer in time.
- Environmental effects significantly impacted weight gain, particularly between 365 and 550 days.
Conclusions:
- Maternal genetic effects play a substantial role in the postweaning growth of Braunvieh cattle up to 550 days of age.
- Selection strategies should consider both direct and maternal genetic components for optimal growth improvement.
- Environmental factors significantly influence weight gain, highlighting the need for management optimization alongside genetic selection.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Heritability
Heritability is a statistical concept that measures the degree to which genetic differences among individuals contribute to trait variations within a population. It is a fundamental idea in genetics, often prone to misinterpretation. Heritability is expressed as a percentage, reflecting the proportion of variation in a specific trait across a population that can be linked to genetic differences. However, it's important to understand that heritability does not determine how "genetic" a trait is,...
01:49Multiple Allele Traits
The Concept of Multiple Allelism
01:49Multiple Allele Traits
The Concept of Multiple Allelism
01:19X-linked Traits
In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
01:19X-linked Traits
In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...