Parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos de características de crescimento em bovinos da raça nelore criados no norte do Brasil

Abstract

The objective was to show the productive indexes of cattle herds raised on pasture in the North of the country, estimating the genetic parameters that influence the productive traits of Nellore cattle. Cattle ranching is an activity that represents a high economic potential for national trade, requiring greater standardization of commercialized carcasses. Animal breeding programs are needed to meet production systems and productive demands such as body weight. The use of selection associated with heritability data and genetic correlations allows directing the producer to meet the needs of the animals, contributing to their phenotypic expression such as precocity, greater weight at slaughter and environmental adaptability. Selection for the growth of Nellore herds after weaning is a criterion widely used in farms in the North of the Brazil, however one must be aware of the factors that can compromise the performance and productivity of herds. Promoting the selection of earlier animals with the appropriate use of mating methods, and attention to the maternal effect is important, because it influences costs and time for production, improving the finishing of animals.