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Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Growth Traits in Brahman Crossbred Cattle of Bangladesh

Mohammad Mahbubul
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

M.A.M. Yahia Khandokar
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Md. Rafikul Islam
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Md. Azharul Hoque
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was conducted to estimate the genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and breeding value of Brahman crossbred cattle (50%) of Bangladesh. Data on 5662 Brahman graded calves (50%) were collected from the records maintained by Department of Livestock Services from the eight areas of the country. Basic statistical analyses were performed by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1.3. Heritability and genetic correlations were estimated with Variance Component Estimation (VCE) 5.1.2 software and finally breeding values were measured with PEST software. Heritability (h2) estimates were 0.87, 0.59, 0.33, 0.33, 0.34, 0.34, 0.35 for birth weight (BW), Weight at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12- and 24-month (kg), respectively. Estimates of h2 for ADG from BW to 3-month (g), ADG from 3- to 6-month (g), ADG from 6- to 9-month (g), and ADG from 9 to 12 month (g) were found to be 0.53, 0.71, 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Genetic correlations between growth traits ranged from 0.15 to 0.92 and phenotypic correlations between these traits ranged from 0.17 to 0.88. Average daily gain showed positive phenotypic correlation with all of the growth traits considered whereas genetic correlation ranged from -0.10 to 0.72. On the basis of predicted breeding value sire ID 60003 had the highest breeding value for body weight at different ages and average daily gain at different ages. Strong genetic and phenotypic correlations will help to improve growth traits simultaneously and selection at early stage can be effective for the improvement of growth traits at later ages

Keywords: Brahman crossbred cattle, Breeding value, Genetic correlation, Heritability, Phenotypic correlation

Location: Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Sylhet, Barishal and Khulna districts, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-01-2014

End Date: 00-09-2018

Program Area: Variety and Species

Commodity: Cattle

Objectives:

To estimate genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) of growth traits of Brahman crossbred population and estimate sire breeding value for growth traits.

Methodology:

Study period and area: The data used in this study were recorded from January 2014 to September 2018 under a project entitled “Beef breed development in Bangladesh” run by the Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh under the supervision of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) in 8 areas (Division) throughout the country namely Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Sylhet, Barishal and Khulna. The whole country were divided into four agro-ecological zones viz flood plains, southern coastal belts, north western ‘Barind’ steppe and the eastern hilly areas. Management: Technical committee selected target farmers who were given 100% Brahman semen from six (6) 100% Brahman sire (ID 60001, 60002, 60003, 60004, 60005, 60006). Farmers had at least two native cows (having average body weight 180-250 kg) and interested to inseminate cows with pure beef breed were selected in this experiment. Heifers and cows in first and second parity were considered for insemination. The selected cows were inseminated with frozen semen from DLS field station with the help of Field Assistant for Artificial Insemination (FAAI). The data of 50% Brahman crossed population used in the experiment were collected from the record sheets maintained at the Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBDF), Savar, Dhaka and the book maintained for recording of growth performance on individual animal at the Upazila Livestock Office of the respective selected areas. A training program was designed for the farmers to perform better animal husbandry practices. New borne calves were allowed to suckle colostrums and were left with dam upto 3 to 4 days. In some cases, calf milk replacer was fed to the calves and calves were separated from dam from day 4 and onward. The calf was fed 5-10 gm of grain (maize powder form) at the age of 4-5 days that influence to grow rumen bacteria. After about 3 weeks of eating grain, the calf rumen had enough bacteria fermenting enough feed to supply a substantial amount of energy. All calves were assisted to develop rumen by providing free-choice water and quality grain in the first few days after birth. With this feeding strategy by 3-4 weeks of age the calf rumen was well develop and was ready for the change to a diet of solid feeds. The recorded data were weights at birth (BW), weight at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12- and 24-month (kg), ADG from BW to 3-month (g), ADG from 3- to 6-month (g), ADG from 6- to 9-month (g), and ADG from 9- to 12-month (g). Birth weight (kg) was recorded for all calves within 24 hours of their birth using the digital weighing balance. With the help of digital weighing balance weight at 1-, 3- and 6-month were recorded in the morning before feeding. The 9-, 12- and 24-month weight was calculated from hearth girth (smallest circumference of body immediately behind the shoulder) and the body length (distance between point of shoulder to the pin bone). Body length and hearth girth were measured in the inches using a measuring tape and the live weight of each calf was calculated according to Shaeffer’s formula as follows: Live weight (kg) = [Body wt. × (Hearth girth)2]/(300 ×2.2). The following formula was used to calculate the Average daily gain in gram (g). Average daily gain (g) = (Final wt. – Intial wt.)/Interval (days) between final and initial wt. Statistical analysis: The general linear model (GLM) procedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) (SAS,Version 9.1.3, 2009) computer package, version 9.1.3 were used to test the significance of fixed effects according the following model: Y_ijklmn= μ +S_i +M_j + R_k + T_l + W_m+E_ijklmn. Where, Y_ijklm= dependent varaiable (individual animal record for the trait); μ = overall mean; S_i = fixed effect of i^th sex of calf; M_j= fixed effect of j^th season; R_k = fixed effect of k^th area; T₁ = fixed effect of 1^th AEZ; Wm=fixed effect of m^th sire, and E_ijklmn = residual error. Heritability estimation: Genetic parameters were estimated with Residual Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedure fitting an animal model using VCE 5.1.2 software (Goreneveld Version 5.1.2. 2003). The methods used to estimate genetic parameters included random effects and all fixed effects that were found significant in least-squares analysis. The model fitted for both uni-trait and two-trait analyses were as follows: Y= Xb+ Za +e; Where, Y = vector of observations; b = vector of fixed effects; a = vector of random animal effects (direct genetic); X = incidence matrix for fixed effects; Z = incidence matrix for random effects; and e = vector of random residual effects.

Source of Information: J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 421–427, 2020

Article Link (Online Journal): https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.98865

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The high magnitude of heritability estimates for growth traits derived from present study suggests selection can be highly effective in changing growth traits in Brahman crossbred cattle population in Bangladesh. Strong genetic and phenotypic correlation among most of growth traits also indicated that selection for one trait will improve simultaneously other trait. Top ranked animals should get top priority during selection and breeding while considering these growth traits for improving next generation.

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