Reproduction

Genetic relationships between feed efficiency and semen quality traits in Nellore cattle

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Abstract

Productive efficiency in livestock systems can be improved through various genetic selection strategies. Bull fertility is a key determinant of reproductive success and genetic advancement in herds, as it directly affects conception rates and the profitability of production systems. Semen quality traits are closely associated with male reproductive performance, while feed efficiency traits contribute to lower production costs and greater sustainability in livestock operations. Despite these associations, the genetic relationships between feed efficiency and male reproductive traits in Nellore cattle are not well characterized, which complicates the identification of sires that exhibit both productive efficiency and strong reproductive performance. The objective of this study was to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for traits associated with semen quality, including sperm turbulence (TURB), sperm vigor (VIG), sperm motility (MOT), major sperm defects (MAD), minor sperm defects (MID), total sperm defects (TD), scrotal circumference (SC), TV: testicular volume (TV), as well as for feed efficiency traits, residual feed intake (RFI), and dry matter intake (DMI), in Nellore cattle. The dataset included phenotypic records for semen quality traits (N: 779) and feed efficiency traits (N: 31.433), along with 7,530 genotyped animals. (Co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using Bayesian inference within bi-trait animal models, implemented through the Gibbsf90+ program of the BLUPF90 software. Heritability estimates for scrotal circumference and testicular volume were moderate to high (0.63 and 0.38, respectively). For the remaining semen quality traits, heritability estimates ranged from 0.07 to 0.17. Regarding feed efficiency, heritability for DMI was moderate (0.27), whereas RFI showed low heritability (0.14). Genetic correlations between feed efficiency and semen quality traits were of low to moderate magnitude, with estimates ranging from 0.02 to 0.41. Semen quality and feed efficiency traits showed additive genetic variability, enabling genetic advancements through selection. Although the estimated genetic correlations are of low to moderate magnitude, these results indicate that both should be considered in a balanced way when adopted as selection criteria.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Baldi, F., Eifert, E., Magnabosco, C., Martins, J., Oliveira, T., Oliveira e Costa, M., Pereira, L. & Temp, L., (2026) “Genetic relationships between feed efficiency and semen quality traits in Nellore cattle”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2343160. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.24483

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