Genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits of Canchim breed

Abstract

The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters for age at first (AFC) and at second (ASC) calvings, penalized age at first (AFC_PEN) and at second (ASC_PEN) calvings, and occurrence of calving until 38 months of age (PP₃₈) in Canchim breed, as well as to estimate the genetic correlations between these traits with weight (PE₄₂₀) of males and females, and scrotal circumference (CE₄₂₀) measured at 420 days of age. Genetic parameters were estimated by two-trait analyses using the Bayesian inference. The analyses were performed between CE₄₂₀ and PE₄₂₀, and the reproductive traits measured in the females. The female reproductive traits should show low response to selection, and changes in the management and environmental conditions improve these traits. Selection for the higher weight at 420 days of age does not change female reproductive traits, while selection to increase scrotal circumference, at the same age, contributes to improve such traits.