Genetic correlations and heritability estimates for dry matter intake, weight gain and feed efficiency of Nellore cattle in feedlot

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and correlations for intake, feed efficiency and weight gain in beef cattle. Phenotypic data of average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) calculated from 2,058 male and female Nellore cattle were used. The genetic parameters and heritability estimates were estimated using these data and pedigree by the AIREMLF90 program. The heritability estimates (standard error) found for ADG, DMI, FCR and RFI were 0.35(0.09), 0.46(0.09), 0.19(0.06) and 0.28(0.07), respectively. We highlighted the genetic correlation between ADG and FCR (-0.40) and DMI with RFI (0.61). The heritability and genetic correlations presented here show that is possible to include feed efficiency traits in Nellore breeding programmes, and the selection of efficient animals could reduce feed consumption without performance loss.