Genetic parameters for pulmonary arterial pressure, yearling performance, and carcass ultrasound traits in Angus cattle

Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) can be used as an indicator of susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension and subsequent potential to develop right-sided heart failure (RHF). Previously reported heritability estimates of PAP have been moderate to high. Based on these estimates, selection for the indicator trait, PAP, could reduce the incidence of RHF due to hypoxia. Previous studies have also speculated that increased growth rates and body fat accumulation contribute to increased PAP and RHF. Research evaluating the genetic relationships between PAP and performance traits (e.g., yearling weight and postweaning gain) has yielded conflicting results, leading to ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the underlying genetic relationships. Additionally, no previous research has evaluated the relationship between PAP and ultrasound carcass traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate trait heritabilities and genetic correlations between PAP, post-weaning growth traits, and ultrasound carcass traits in Angus cattle, using data (n = 4,511) from the American Angus Association. We hypothesized that traits associated with increased growth and muscle would have a positive genetic (i.e., unfavorable) relationship with PAP. Estimates for heritability and genetic correlations were obtained using a multi-trait animal model. Heritability estimates for PAP (0.21 +/- 0.04), post-weaning gain (PWG; 0.31 +/- 0.04), and yearling weight (YWT; 0.37 +/- 0.04) were within the range of estimates previously reported. Genetic correlations were weak (< 0.20) between PAP, PWG, and YWT. A low-to-moderate genetic correlation between PAP and ultrasound ribeye area (UREA) was found (0.25 +/- 0.12). Genetic correlations between PAP, ultrasound back fat (UBF), ultrasound intramuscular fat (IMF), and ultrasound rump fat (RUMP) were weak (ranging in magnitude from -0.05 to 0.10) and therefore, do not provide strong support for the hypothesis of an antagonistic relationship between PAP and carcass ultrasound traits, while heritability estimates for UBF (0.43 +/- 0.05), UREA (0.31 +/- 0.04), IMF (0.35 +/- 0.04), and RUMP (0.47 +/- 0.05) were in the range of previously reported values.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic relationships between PAP, post-weaning growth traits, and ultrasound carcass traits in Angus cattle. The results showed weak genetic correlations between PAP and post-weaning gain and yearling weight, while a moderate genetic correlation was found between PAP and ultrasound ribeye area. The genetic correlations between PAP and ultrasound back fat, ultrasound intramuscular fat, and ultrasound rump fat were weak, suggesting no strong support for an antagonistic relationship between PAP and carcass ultrasound traits.