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da Silva Morales D, Silva DO, Ayres DR, Junior MLS, Bignardi AB, Ventura RV, de Oliveira Menezes GR, Carvalheiro R, Piccoli ML, Roso VM, Pereira RJ. Genetic associations between stayability to consecutive calvings and traits of economic interest in taurine and zebu breeds. J Anim Breed Genet 2024; 141:83-95. [PMID: 37789663 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stayability (STAY) is a way to evaluate the productive longevity of females. Measuring the STAY at each cow calving allows earlier indicators of longevity to be obtained. Our objective with this study was to verify the association between STAY and consecutive calvings and traits potentially used as selection criteria in beef cattle, such as age at first calving (AFC), days to calving (DC), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW). Data from the Nelore, Angus/Brangus, and Hereford/Braford breeds were used. The estimation of variance components and subsequent prediction of breeding values were performed for all traits. The estimated breeding values (EBV) were used to analyse the association between STAY and the other traits. The Pearson's correlation estimated between the EBV for the intercept coefficient for STAY to consecutive calvings and those of AFC, DC, WW (direct and maternal effects), and YW was favourable and of low magnitude (<0.25) depending on the breed studied. The influence of the genetic merit of AFC on the chance of selection for STAY was favourable and relevant regardless of the intensity of selection and breed. DC and WW (maternal effect) traits were favourably influenced by the chance of selection for STAY, irrespective of breed. The WW (direct effect) did not affect the chance of selection for STAY for the Nelore and Hereford/Braford breeds and negatively influenced, but to a small extent, the Angus/Brangus breed. For YW, an increase in genetic merit affected the chances of selection for STAY, depending on the breed and selection intensity evaluated. The influence of the genetic merit for AFC, DC, and WW (maternal effect) on the chance of selection for STAY to consecutive calvings was favourable and relevant regardless of the selection intensity scenario evaluated. The WW (direct effect) did not influence the chance of selection for STAY. For the scenario with high selection intensity, the selection for YW favourably influenced the chance of selection for STAY in Angus/Brangus and Hereford/Braford breeds but not in Nelore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora da Silva Morales
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Diogo Osmar Silva
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Denise Rocha Ayres
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Mário Luiz Santana Junior
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Annaiza Braga Bignardi
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP)-Faculdade de Medicina Veterinário e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Junqueira Pereira
- Grupo de Melhoramento Animal de Mato Grosso (GMAT), Universidade Federal de Rondonopolis, Rondonópolis, Brazil
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de Toledo RB, de Faria OAC, Leme LO, Magnabosco CU, Guimarães R, Eifert EDC, Dos Santos IR, Oliveira RV, Dode MAN, Malaquias JV, Pivato I, Martins CF. Effect of food supplementation on in vitro embryo production and growth performance in prepubertal Nelore heifers. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:5087-5096. [PMID: 37975200 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2279612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In vitro embryos production from prepubertal heifers can help contribute to breeding programs; however, strategies are necessary to increase their embryo production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two nutritional plans on oocyte recovery, embryo production and growth performance of prepubertal Nelore heifers. Thirty-four Nelore heifers with age of 6.5 months were divided into two feeding treatments (NP1 and NP2). The NP1 diets served as the control and NP2 diets were formulated to contain an average of 1.22-fold more energy than NP1. After 3 months of supplementation, the animals underwent follicular aspiration (ovum pick-up, OPU) every 21 d for 3 months and embryos were produced in vitro. Wither height, chest depth, body weight and subcutaneous fat of animals were measured. The number of retrieved and viable oocytes per OPU were 1.49-fold and 1.42-fold greater in NP2 heifers (p = 0.018 and p = 0.049, respectively) than those in NP1 heifers. Heifers administered NP2 produced 29.7% blastocysts, a percentage higher than NP1 animals that produced 24.40% embryos (p < 0.05). Consequently, females in the NP2 treatment showed improved body development. These results indicate a positive effect of a higher energy diet on assisted reproduction and body development in prepubertal heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Braz de Toledo
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Cerrados), Planaltina, Brazil
- University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Costa de Faria
- University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ligiane Oliveira Leme
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Guimarães
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Cerrados), Planaltina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Ivo Pivato
- University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Araujo JIM, Carneiro PLS, Glória LS, Filho RM, Araujo AC, de Rezende MPG, Malhado CHM. Strategies for the identification of precocity in zebu beef cattle based on mixed nonlinear models and multivariate approach. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:362. [PMID: 37857786 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03782-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of mixed nonlinear models reduces the residual variance by including random effects, thereby improving the estimates in growth curves. Therefore, we tested distinct mixed nonlinear models (Richards, Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy) to model the growth curves of Zebu cattle herds raised on pasture in Brazil. In addition, we evaluated the diversity among breeds using hierarchical cluster multivariate analysis (full linkage) based on asymptotic weight (A), maturity rate (K), absolute growth rate (AGR), and absolute maturity rate (AMR) adjusted to 205, 365, 550, and 730 days of age. Body weight data from 311,834 males and females of Guzerat, Nellore, Tabapuã, and Polled Nellore breeds provided by the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders were used. The Brody model considering breed-sex fixed and animal random effects was the most suitable to describe the growth in the four breeds. The Guzerat and Tabapuã males showed increased precocity (higher K values) when compared to polled Nellore and Nellore males, which were characterized by higher A and AMR values. Females were more precocious than males (high K and low A values), particularly within Tabapuã and Guzerat breeds, respectively. Regardless of sex, the highest AGR values were observed from weaning up to 2 years of age in Tabapuã and Guzerat breeds. The cluster analyses revealed two groups: (1) Polled Nellore and Nellore males with high A, AGR_205, AGR_365, AGR_550, and AGR_730 values, represented by large adult animals, and (2) males and females of Guzerat and Tabapuã, characterized as animals of increased precocity. A subgroup encompassing males of Guzerat and Tabapuã was also observed, with intermediate values for all parameters. This information is useful to help breeders and producers in strategies for feeding management and defining the most precocious beef cattle breed to increase the economic gains in pasture-based raising systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonardo Siqueira Glória
- Laboratory of Animal Science, State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - André Campêlo Araujo
- State University of Southwestern Bahia, Itapetinga, BA, 45.000-700, Brazil
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Tsartsianidou V, Pavlidis A, Tosiou E, Arsenos G, Banos G, Triantafyllidis A. Novel genomic markers and genes related to reproduction in prolific Chios dairy sheep: a genome-wide association study. Animal 2023; 17:100723. [PMID: 36801549 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic architecture of sheep reproduction is increasingly gaining scientific interest due to the major impact on sheep production systems. In the present study, we conducted pedigree-based analyses and genome-wide association studies using the Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying the reproduction of the highly prolific Chios dairy sheep. First lambing age, total prolificacy and maternal lamb survival were selected as representative reproductive traits and estimated as significantly heritable (h2 = 0.07-0.21) with no evident genetic antagonism among traits. We identified novel genome-wide and suggestive significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 2 and 12 associated with age at first lambing. The new variants detected on chromosome 2 span a region of 357.79 kb with high pairwise linkage disequilibrium estimates (r2 = 0.8-0.9). Functional annotation analysis revealed candidate genes, such as the collagen-type genes and the Myostatin gene, that participate in osteogenesis, myogenesis, skeletal and muscle mass development resembling the functionality of major genes affecting the ovulation rate and prolificacy. Additional functional enrichment analysis associated the collagen-type genes with multiple uterine-related disfunctions, such as cervical insufficiency, uterine prolapse and abnormalities of the uterine cervix. Several genes (e.g., KAZN, PRDM2, PDPN, LRRC28) localised close to the SNP marker on chromosome 12 were grouped in annotation enrichment clusters majorly involved in developmental and biosynthetic pathways, apoptosis, and nucleic acid-templated transcription. Our findings may further contribute to unravel the genomic regions that are important for sheep reproduction and could be incorporated into future selective breeding programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tsartsianidou
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - A Pavlidis
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Tosiou
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Arsenos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Banos
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - A Triantafyllidis
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Araujo AC, Carneiro PLS, Araújo JIM, Campos BM, de Rezende MPG, Martins Filho R, Brito LF, Malhado CHM. Phenotypic differences for growth, feed efficiency, and age of first calving of Brazilian zebu females. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:111. [PMID: 35201438 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated phenotypic differences of zebu females from four breeds using variables of growth, feed efficiency, and age at first calving. Weights throughout the life were recorded, and a growth curve was fitted using the Gompertz model. The growth was also evaluated at standardized ages (205, 365, and 550 days) using the body weight and the total and daily weight gains. The Kleiber index and age at first calving were used as measures of feed efficiency and sexual precocity, respectively, totaling 25 variables. New variables were created using the factor analysis and used in new multivariate analyzes. Only six factors explained 95.41% of the total variance and were used for the subsequent analyses. The factors were defined as maturity, precocity, feed efficiency postweaning, feed efficiency post 1 year of age, puberty, and birth weight. There were differences between breeds according to the multivariate analysis of variance. Each breed appeared in a quadrant on the Biplot graph, showing relationship with different factors, demonstrating the diversity of zebu females. There is a difference in growth, feed efficiency, and sexual precocity in Brazilian zebu females, allowing the identification of potentials of the animals and help breeders and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Campêlo Araujo
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, S Russel St, West Lafayette, IN, 270, 47907, USA
| | - Paulo Luiz Souza Carneiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, José Moreira Sobrinho, Campus de Jequié, s/n, Jequiezinho, CEP 45.205-490, Jequié, BA, Brasil
| | - Johnny Iglesias Mendes Araújo
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Machado Campos
- Faculdade Anísio Teixeira, Colegiado de Medicina Veterinária, Avenida Juracy Magalhães, 222, Ponto Central, CEP 44.032-620, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil.
| | - Marcos Paulo Gonçalves de Rezende
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil
| | - Raimundo Martins Filho
- Universidade Federal Do Cariri, Campus de Juazeiro do Norte, Avenidada Tenente Raimundo Rocha, s/n, Cidade Universitária, CEP 63.040-360, Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brasil
| | - Luiz Fernando Brito
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, S Russel St, West Lafayette, IN, 270, 47907, USA
| | - Carlos Henrique Mendes Malhado
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, José Moreira Sobrinho, Campus de Jequié, s/n, Jequiezinho, CEP 45.205-490, Jequié, BA, Brasil
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Sustainable Intensification of Beef Production in the Tropics: The Role of Genetically Improving Sexual Precocity of Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020174. [PMID: 35049797 PMCID: PMC8772995 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tropical pasture-based beef production systems play a vital role in global food security. The importance of promoting sustainable intensification of such systems has been debated worldwide. Demand for beef is growing together with concerns over the impact of its production on the environment. Implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs relies on animal genetic improvement. In tropical areas, the lack of sexual precocity is a bottleneck for cattle efficiency, directly impacting the sustainability of production systems. In the present review we present and discuss the state of the art of genetic evaluation for sexual precocity in Bos indicus beef cattle, covering the definition of measurable traits, genetic parameter estimates, genomic analyses, and a case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs. Abstract Increasing productivity through continued animal genetic improvement is a crucial part of implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs. In Zebu cattle, the lack of sexual precocity is one of the main obstacles to improving beef production efficiency. Puberty-related traits are complex, but large-scale data sets from different “omics” have provided information on specific genes and biological processes with major effects on the expression of such traits, which can greatly increase animal genetic evaluation. In addition, genetic parameter estimates and genomic predictions involving sexual precocity indicator traits and productive, reproductive, and feed-efficiency related traits highlighted the feasibility and importance of direct selection for anticipating heifer reproductive life. Indeed, the case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs presented here show that, in 12 years of selection for female early precocity and improved management practices, the phenotypic means of age at first calving showed a strong decreasing trend, changing from nearly 34 to less than 28 months, with a genetic trend of almost −2 days/year. In this period, the percentage of early pregnancy in the herds changed from around 10% to more than 60%, showing that the genetic improvement of heifer’s sexual precocity allows optimizing the productive cycle by reducing the number of unproductive animals in the herd. It has a direct impact on sustainability by better use of resources. Genomic selection breeding programs accounting for genotype by environment interaction represent promising tools for accelerating genetic progress for sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle.
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Cruz GS, Correa RMDS, Macedo DB, Emerick LL, Castilho EFD, Rodrigues MDN. Association between somatotropic axis gene polymorphisms and reproductive efficiency of bovine females: a review. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v23e-72386e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Reproductive characteristics directly reflect on productive performance, as they determine the number of calves born annually and the interval between generations, thereby affecting the selection intensity. This allows for the determination of the most important economic variables that directly affect the production system. The present study is a literature review of somatotropic axis gene polymorphisms that are associated with reproductive functions in heifers and cows (Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus). The following characteristics were analyzed from the various studies reviewed: number of services per pregnancy (Nº services/ pregnancy), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), and period of service calving conception interval (CCI). The research was conducted during the period from 2011 to 2021, and associations were found among all indicators of reproductive efficiency evaluated in heifers and cows, with 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): 18 in GHR, 5 in IGF-I, and 4 in STAT5A. This study revealed the relationships between SNPs and the reproductive efficiency indicators and demonstrated that molecular genetic techniques enhance the animal selection process, resulting in more profitable systems that are sustainable in the long term.
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Cruz GS, Correa RMDS, Macedo DB, Emerick LL, Castilho EFD, Rodrigues MDN. Associação entre polimorfismos de genes do eixo somatotrópico e eficiência reprodutiva de fêmeas bovinas: revisão de literatura. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v23e-72386p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Características reprodutivas refletem diretamente no desempenho produtivo visto que são capazes de determinar o número de bezerros nascidos anualmente, além de afetar o intervalo entre gerações e, consequentemente, a intensidade de seleção, fazendo com o que tais atributos sejam apontados como variáveis econômicas das mais importantes que afetam diretamente o sistema de produção. O presente estudo propõe realizar uma revisão de literatura de polimorfismos de genes do eixo somatotrópico associados a funções reprodutivas em novilhas e vacas (Bos taurus taurus e Bos taurus indicus), indicadas pelos índices: número de serviços por gestação (Nº serviços/gestação), idade ao primeiro parto (IPP), intervalo de partos (IP) e período de serviço, como também denominado de intervalo parto-concepção (IPC). As pesquisas encontradas durante o período de 2011 a 2021 demonstraram associações entre todos os indicadores de eficiência reprodutiva analisados de novilhas e vacas com 27 polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs), sendo 18 em GHR, 5 em IGF-I e 4 em STAT5A. Dessa forma, este estudo mostrou relação entre os SNPs e os indicadores de eficiência reprodutiva, demonstrando que técnicas de genética molecular potencializam o processo de seleção dos animais, resultando em sistemas mais lucrativos e que se sustentam a longo prazo.
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Bessa AFDO, Duarte INH, Rola LD, Bernardes PA, Gonzaga Neto S, Lôbo RB, Munari DP, Buzanskas ME. Genetic evaluation for reproductive and productive traits in Brahman cattle. Theriogenology 2021; 173:261-268. [PMID: 34403971 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Our objectives were to estimate genetic parameters for male and female reproductive traits and their genetic correlations with body weight and carcass traits, evaluate the genetic trends over the years, and verify the effect of inbreeding on the phenotypes of Brahman cattle. The traits evaluated were body weights at 120, 210, 365, and 450 days of age (W120, W210, W365, and W450); scrotal circumference at 365 and 450 days of age (SC365 and SC450), age at first calving (AFC), gestation length (GL), stayability (STAY), ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT). Direct heritability estimates ranged from 0.10 ± 0.03 (AFC) to 0.43 ± 0.06 (GL). Maternal heritability estimates for body weights, scrotal circumferences, and GL ranged from 0.07 ± 0.02 to 0.15 ± 0.03. The proportion of the maternal permanent environment for W120 and W210 was equal to 0.11 ± 0.02. Genetic correlations varied between -0.60 ± 0.25 (STAY and BFT) to 0.97 ± 0.01 (W365 and W450). Except for AFC, all genetic trends were significant (p < 0.05) and presented favorable annual genetic gains. Unfavorable effects due to the increase of inbreeding coefficients were observed for body weights and AFC, suggesting greater attention be paid to the applied mating systems to control inbreeding. Reproductive traits, such as AFC and STAY, could be assisted indirectly by scrotal circumference selection. The emphasis applied to body weight selection, especially at W210, may assist REA. The BFT and RFT traits presented genetic variability and have responded to selection, although not included in the Brahman selection index.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luciana Diniz Rola
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Zootecnia, 58397-000, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Priscila Arrigucci Bernardes
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Severino Gonzaga Neto
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Zootecnia, 58397-000, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Raysildo Barbosa Lôbo
- Nacional Association of Breeders and Researchers (ANCP), 14020-230, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danísio Prado Munari
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Exatas, 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Eli Buzanskas
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Zootecnia, 58397-000, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil.
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Portes JV, Menezes GR, MacNeil MD, da Silva LO, Gondo A, Braccini Neto J. Selection indices for Nellore production systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Inoue K, Hosono M, Oyama H, Hirooka H. Genetic associations between reproductive traits for first calving and growth curve characteristics of Japanese Black cattle. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13467. [PMID: 33043536 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for first calving reproductive traits and growth curve characteristics in Japanese Black cattle. The Gompertz growth function was fitted to body weight-age data to obtain the mature weight (MWT) and rate of maturing (ROM) of cows. Data of reproductive traits including the first service conception rate (CR) for heifers, age at the first calving (AFC), and gestation length for the first calving were collected. Records of 3,204 animals were used for analysis. Genetic parameters were estimated using a linear uni- and bivariate animal model. The heritability estimates were moderate (0.29 for ROM) and high (0.57 for MWT) for growth curve parameters and low (0.03-0.11) for reproductive traits. There was a negative genetic correlation between MWT and ROM (-0.26), suggesting that an animal with a faster ROM would show a lower MWT. CR was negatively correlated with MWT (-0.42) but significantly and positively correlated with ROM (0.91). There was a negative genetic correlation between AFC and MWT (-0.49). These results suggest that a heifer with a faster ROM and lower MWT would show a higher CR. Meanwhile, a heifer with a lower MWT would show a higher AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Inoue
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hosono
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hidemi Oyama
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
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Portes JV, Cyrillo JNDSG, Faro LE, Mercadante MEZ, Teixeira RDA, Dias LT. Evaluation of body weight and hip height in Nellore cows in a tropical environment. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wu M, Li S, Zhang G, Fan Y, Gao Y, Huang Y, Lan X, Lei C, Ma Y, Dang R. Exploring insertions and deletions (indels) of MSRB3 gene and their association with growth traits in four Chinese indigenous cattle breeds. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:465-475. [PMID: 31807658 PMCID: PMC6852864 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-465-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methionine sulfoxide reductase B3 (MSRB3) is instrumental in ossification and fat deposition, which regulate the
growth and development of cattle directly. The purpose of this study was
aimed to explore insertions and deletions (indels) in MSRB3 gene and investigate
their association with growth traits in four indigenous cattle breeds (Luxi
cattle, Qinchuan cattle, Nanyang cattle, and Jiaxian Red cattle). Four indels
were identified by sequencing with DNA pool. Association analysis showed
that three of them were associated with growth traits (P<0.05). For
P1, the DD (deletion and deletion) genotype was significantly associated with body length of Nanyang
cattle; for P6, II (insertion and insertion) and/or DD genotypes were significantly associated with
enhanced growth traits of Qinchuan cattle; for P7, II genotype was
significantly associated with hucklebone width of Luxi cattle. Our results
demonstrated that the polymorphisms in bovine MSRB3 gene were significantly
associated with growth traits, which could be candidate loci for
marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Shipeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science, Gongzhuling, Jilin, 136100, P. R. China
| | - Yingzhi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Yongzhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Yun Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, Henan, 464000, P. R. China.,School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750021, P. R. China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
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Atashi H, Asaadi A. Association between gestation length and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:846-852. [PMID: 32368262 PMCID: PMC7189531 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 252,798 lactations on 108,077 cows in 433 herds were used to determine the association between gestation length (GL) and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. The GL averaged 278.1 ± 5.41 d, was categorized as short (SGL; at 1 SD below the population mean), average (AGL; the population mean ± 1 SD), or long (LGL; at least 1 SD above the population mean). Factors including parity, calf gender and calving season were associated with the GL. Primiparous cows with SGL had less lactation performance than those with longer GL; however, there was no difference between those with AGL and LGL. Multiparous cows with longer GL always had more partial and 305-d lactation performance. Primiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation and at the peak than those with AGL or LGL; inverse trends were found for lactation persistency, upward and downward slopes of the lactation curve. Within multiparous, a direct relationship was found between GL and the peak yield, where cows with longer GL always produced more milk at the peak. Multiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation, reached their peaks later, had higher lactation persistency and showed a lower upward slope of lactation curve than those with AGL or LGL. There was a direct relationship between GL and calf birth weight, where cows with longer GL had calves with more weight at the birth. Within primiparous, cows with SGL had the lowest and those with LGL had the highest rate of dystocia. However, multiparous cows with AGL had a lower rate of dystocia than those with SGL or LGL. Although there was a direct relationship between GL and lactation performance, intermediate GL seems optimal when considering dystocia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Atashi
- Shiraz University Department of Animal Science Shiraz Iran Shiraz University, Department of Animal Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anise Asaadi
- Shiraz University School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Clinical Science Shiraz Iran Shiraz University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Shiraz, Iran
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15
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Noya A, Casasús I, Ferrer J, Sanz A. Long-Term Effects of Maternal Subnutrition in Early Pregnancy on Cow-Calf Performance, Immunological and Physiological Profiles during the Next Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E936. [PMID: 31717350 PMCID: PMC6912618 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of undernutrition during the first third of gestation on cow-calf performance, immunological and physiological profiles during the next lactation in two cattle breeds. Fifty-three Parda de Montaña (PA) and 32 Pirenaica (PI) cows were inseminated, assigned to one of two diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements) until day 82 of gestation, and fed 100% of the requirements during gestation and next lactation. Cow and calf performance were assessed during lactation. Colostrum and cow-calf plasma samples were analyzed to assess the passive transfer of immunoglobulins and to characterize energy metabolism. At calving, SUBNUT cows had a lower body condition score, which impaired most of the cow-calf parameters. All cows had considerable weight losses during lactation except for SUBNUT-PI cows. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was lower in SUBNUT-PI cows, and milk fat content was higher in SUBNUT cows. SUBNUT calves had lower values of body measurements at weaning, and calves born from SUBNUT-PI dams had lower milk intake and the lowest average daily gain (ADG), which was reflected in their lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. In conclusion, undernutrition in early gestation in suckler cows had long-term effects on offspring postnatal growth, this physiological evidence being more severe in Pirenaica cow-calf pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Albina Sanz
- Department of Animal Production, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria (CITA) de Aragón, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), 50059 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.N.); (I.C.); (J.F.)
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16
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Reproductive performance of cows and genetic correlation with weight gains and principal components of traits used in selection of Nelore cattle. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Schmidt PI, Campos GS, Roso VM, Souza FRP, Boligon AA. Genetic analysis of female reproductive efficiency, scrotal circumference and growth traits in Nelore cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 128:47-53. [PMID: 30743103 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study estimated the genetic variability and correlations between growth and reproductive traits in Nelore cattle. Annual genetic changes in female reproductive traits were also evaluated using repeated measures. Direct heritability was moderate for the growth traits and scrotal circumference (0.235 ± 0.015 to 0.443 ± 0.006), indicating genetic variability in these traits in the population studied. Maternal heritability was low for weaning height (0.042 ± 0.012) and weaning weight (0.112 ± 0.013). Regarding female reproductive traits, gestation length (GL) exhibited a slightly higher heritability (0.179 ± 0.006) than days to calving (DC) and calving interval (CI) (0.123 ± 0.006 and 0.105 ± 0.008, respectively). Repeatability was lower for GL (0.222 ± 0.006) compared to DC (0.318 ± 0.004) and CI (0.406 ± 0.006). Moderate and positive genetic correlations were obtained between the growth traits and scrotal circumference, ranging from 0.193 ± 0.019 to 0.519 ± 0.007. Weaning height showed low and positive genetic associations with GL (0.138 ± 0.007) and CI (0.189 ± 0.016), but was not correlated with DC (-0.016 ± 0.011). Similarly, weaning weight, yearling height or yearling weight was not associated with any of the female reproductive traits. The genetic correlations between scrotal circumference and female reproductive traits were negative and favorable, but low: -0.116 ± 0.020 (GL), -0.084 ± 0.028 (DC), and -0.054 ± 0.038 (CI). Favorable genetic associations were estimated between all female reproductive traits, ranging from 0.170 ± 0.040 to 0.442 ± 0.050. Genetic changes were favorable for GL and CI (-0.02 days/year and -0.11 days/year, respectively) and unfavorable for DC (0.16 days/year). In conclusion, selection for higher growth using the estimated breeding values for height and weight will not affect the reproductive performance of Nelore females. Nonetheless, simultaneous selection for growth and reproductive traits is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Schmidt
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - G S Campos
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-060, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - V M Roso
- GenSys Associates and Consultants S/S LTDA, 90680-001, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - F R P Souza
- Ecology, Zoology and Genetics Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - A A Boligon
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, Brazil.
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