Genetic and populational background of Pure Nelore cattle breed in Brazilian Northeastern Sertao

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Pure Nelore cattle breed background in the Brazilian Northeastern Sertao region by determining its population structure and quantifying genetic, phenotypic and environmental progress based on ponderal development traits. Pedigree data of animals born between 1964 and 2006 and weight values, adjusted to 205 and 365 days of age, of bovines born between 1978 and 2006 were used. The small number of ancestors explained the population's low genetic variability and the reduced heritability coefficient values observed for growth traits. The mean inbreeding coefficient and the percentage of endogamic animals within the population increased over the generations. However, the mean inbreeding coefficient of endogamic animals decreased over the generations, indicating that mating between closely related individuals is being avoided. The effective size of the population ranged from 100 to 200 animals throughout nearly all of the studied period. No genetic gains were detected for this period. Nevertheless, a remarkable phenotypic gain was obtained due to environmental improvements.