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Genetic parameters for frame size and carcass traits in Nellore cattle

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Abstract

Our study aimed to evaluate the frame size as a genetic selection criterion as well as the association of scores with carcass characteristics measured via ultrasound to the genetic improvement of carcass quality in Nellore cattle. The variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method for the thoracic perimeter (TP), frame size score (FRAME), yearling weight (YW), visual scores of body structure (BS), muscularity (MUSC), and precocity (PREC). The carcass traits included loin eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), rump fat (FR), and intramuscular fat (IF). The estimated heritabilities ranged from moderate to high. The FRAME showed a positive genetic correlation with YW (0.82 ± 0.07), TP (0.58 ± 0.09), and BS score (0.62 ± 0.07), but it had a negative correlation with the MUSC and PREC visual scores (− 0.34 ± 0.09 and − 0.50 ± 0.08, respectively). The genetic correlation between FRAME and REA was positive (0.26 ± 0.09). However, FRAME presented a correlation close to zero with BF, RF, and IF. TP had a positive genetic correlation with body size traits such as YW (0.76 ± 0.05) and BS score (0.55 ± 0.08) and with muscularity traits such as REA (0.44 ± 0.01). Frame size has the potential to be used as a parameter in the selection of precocious beef cattle, but a study of its use is necessary to determine the ideal biotype for each production system.

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Data availability

The model has not been deposited in an official repository. The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) of the Brazilian Federal Agency for granting the scholarship. We also thank the Superintendence of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (SETI); Foundation Araucária; and the postgraduate program of the State University of Londrina (PROPPG) for their partial support. This article is part of the first author’s Master’s thesis in animal science at the State University of Londrina.

Funding

The first author received a research grant from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES, its acronym in Portuguese), finance code 001. A grant was provided by the same institution to Guilherme Agostinis Ferreira, Jessica Gonçalves Vero, Evelyn Rangel dos Santos, and Bruna Silva Marestone. Furthermore, a master’s scholarship was granted by CNPQ to Daniela Kaizer Terto.

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  1. A. G. Barro, B. S. Marestone, E. R. dos S., G. A. Ferreira, J. G. Vero, D. K. Terto & A. M. Bridi

    Present address: Departament of Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Londrina State University, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

  2. C. A. de S. D. Muniz

    Present address: Department of Animal Science, Londrina State University, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Londrina State University, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

    A. G. Barro, B. S. Marestone, E. R. dos S., G. A. Ferreira, J. G. Vero, D. K. Terto & A. M. Bridi

  2. Department of Animal Science, Londrina State University, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

    C. A. de S. D. Muniz

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Contributions

Data preparation and statistical analyses were performed by Amanda Gobeti Barro, Ana Maria Bridi, Carolina Amália de Souza Dantas Muniz, and Bruna Silva Marestone. The first version of the manuscript was written by the first author, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript, giving suggestions and making the necessary corrections. In accordance with the rules, all other authors helped with the finalization of the article.

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Correspondence to A. G. Barro.

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Barro, A.G., Marestone, B.S., dos S., E.R. et al. Genetic parameters for frame size and carcass traits in Nellore cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 55, 71 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-023-03464-z

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