Estimation of genetic parameters for weight traits and Kleiber Index in a Brahman cattle population

Abstract

Interest in improving feed efficiency of cattle has been increasing. The residual feed intake (RFI), the most commonly used measurement of feed efficiency, is expensive and can only be used in a small number of animals. The Kleiber Index has also been proposed to measure RFI. In this study, we estimated genetic parameters for the Kleiber Index average daily weight gain and adjusted weights to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of potential responses to selection and support the development of breeding strategies. Genetic analyses were conducted on animal records from a data file with 36,505 animals recorded by ABCZ (Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders). Restricted maximum likelihood estimates of genetic parameters were computed with Wombat software. Heritabilities ranged from 0.24 to 0.22 for adjusted weights, from 0.12 to 0.26 for Kleiber Indexes and from 0.15 to 0.22 for average daily gains. Correlations between traits ranged from-0.06 to 0.99. Results indicated that Kleiber Indexes at different ages do not constitute a viable solution for the selection of bulls and cows for Brazilian Brahman populations in terms of feeding efficiency.

Genetic-Quantitative Uni- and Bi-Trait Analysis for Growth Traits in the Colombian Creole Breed Blanco Orejinegro (BON)

“…For YW, similar results were found in Brahman (0.22 ± 0.02) (Manuel et al, 2019) and in Nelore breed, these the estimates varied between 0.17 and 0.44 (Moreira et al, 2015;Teixeira et al, 2018;Koetz Junior et al, 2019).…”

Identification and characterization of circular RNAs in association with the feed efficiency in Hu lambs

“…As is widely known, the RFI is a vital and accurate index that is increasingly recognized as an alternate evaluate of feed efficiency of livestock [ 16 , 17 ]. Considering the importance of RFI to evaluate feed efficiency on the economics of sheep production, and the estimated heritability of RFI in sheep populations is moderate, it is difficult to change this feature through traditional selection.…”

FABP1 and SLC2A5 expression levels affect feed efficiency-related traits

“…Our approach showed that increased SLC2A5 expression was associated with enhanced RGR and KI indices. However, although animals with higher weight gains exhibit the best efficiency for these indices (Sobrinho et al, 2011), it may also increase energy maintenance requirements (Manuel et al, 2019). The expression of nutrient transporter is essential for proper nutrient uptake and animal metabolism.…”