Heritability and correlations for weight, scrotal circumference and visual scores at weaning, in Canchim beef cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish the best-fit model for the genetic evaluation of Canchim cattle and to estimate the genetic parameters for productive characters at weaning. The data used were related to: 12,103 animals, for weight (PD); 5,278, for scrotal circumference (PE), 8,343, for slaughter conformation visual score (CF); 9,111, for sheath and navel scores (UM), and 7,986, for hair coat score (PEL). Statistical models included fixed effects and random additive direct, maternal and maternal permanent environmental effects, in different combinations. The analyses were done by the derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood method. The complete model was the most suited for PD, PE, CF and UM, while the model with only additive direct and additive maternal random effects was the best for PEL. Direct heritability estimates were 0.17, 0.13, 0.20, 0.18, and 0.52 for PD, PE, CF, UM and PEL, respectively, which indicates that it is possible to obtain genetic progress through selection for these traits, mainly for PEL. The additive direct genetic correlations among traits varied from -0.16 to 0.61. The correlations between PD and PE and between PD and CF indicate that selection for PD should result in genetic gain in PE and CF.