Genetic parameters stimates of young bulls Nelore cattle andrology traits using bayesian inference

Abstract

The aim of this study was to predict genetic parameters of Nelore males reproductive traits, with age between 17 and 24 months, raised in the Middle-west of Brazil, using Bayesian inference. The group of data considered 1.265 breeding soundness evaluations obtained between 2001 and 2007, in four different properties. Records were obtained from the measure of the scrotal circumference and were evaluated the spermatic morphology. Animals were classified in apt to reproduction or sexually immature. The genetic parameters were estimated through the software THRGIBBS1F90, that uses bayesian inference under animal model. Among 1.265 animals evaluated, 880 (69.56%) were considered apt to reproduction and 385 (30.43%) sexually immature. The heritability estimates for scrotal circumference, larger defects, minor and total were 0.45; 0.13; 0.06 and 0.14, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlation between the scrotal circumference and these same traits were -0.24; -0.04 and -0.18, respectively. The results allowed to conclude that, except the scrotal circumference, all the other traits studied suffer environmental influences and the scrotal circumference would not be the most appropriate trait when the intention is to obtain improvement of the seminal qualitative aspects being advisable the identification of other traits that allow the obtaining genetic through the indirect progress selection.