Abstract

CANTET, R. J. C.  and  BIRCHMEIER, A. N.. Bayesian estimation of (co) variance components in Argentinian Brangus for carcass traits using the FCG algorithm. Agriscientia [online]. 2010, vol.27, n.1, pp.19-26. ISSN 1668-298X.

Data on 2273 Brangus young bulls and heifers were used to estimate heritabilities (h²) and genetics and environmental correlations for ultrasound carcass measures. Records were from the genetic evaluation program of Asociación Argentina de Brangus. Traits measured were rib-eye area (AOB), marbling (MB), back-fat thickness (GD), and hip-fat thickness (GC). Average ages of measure were 641 days in males and 685 in females. The genetic and environmental dispersion parameters were estimated by a conjugate Bayesian algorithm (FCG). Estimates of h² were 0,22, 0,16, 0,12, and 0,21, for AOB, GD, CC, and MB, respectively. In general, estimates of genetic and environmental correlations were close to the average published values. Even tough estimates of h² were below the average of published estimates for beef cattle, the additive genetic variation found in the current study would lead to a moderate response to selection - using predictions of breeding value that are calculated with the estimate parameters.

Keywords : (co)Variance components; Brangus; Carcass traits; FCG algorithm.

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