Parameters and genetics trends for maturation rate and asymptotic weight in Nellore cattle from Bahia State

Abstract

The goal of the present work was to estimate the heritability values for milk yield (MY), age at first parity (AFP), lactation length (LL) and parturition interval (PI) as well as the genetic correlation between milk production and AFP, LP and PI of female cross-breed buffaloes raised in Brazil. Data from 628 females, from four farms and born between 1980 and 2003, were used. The estimated heritability coefficients were 0.17; 0.41; 0.03 and 0.08 for MP, AFP, PI and LP, respectively. The genetic correlation between MP and DL was high and equal to 0.89. On the other hand, the genetic correlation between MP and PI was equal to -0.25. No genetic association was observed between age at first parturition and milk production at first lactation. The milk production might be used as a useful selection trait for the improvement of lactation period and parturition interval in water buffaloes.