Genetic and phenotypic parameters for sexual precocity and parasite resistance traits in Nellore cattle

Abstract Indicator traits of sexual precocity are widely used as selection criteria for the genetic improvement of beef cattle; however, the impact of selection for these traits on resistance to endo- and ectoparasites is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters for indicator traits of sexual precocity and parasite resistance in Nellore cattle. The sexual precocity traits evaluated were probability of first calving (PFC) and scrotal circumference at 12 and 18 months of age (SC12 and SC18). The resistance-related traits included tick (TC), gastrointestinal nematode egg (NEC), and Eimeria spp. oocyst (EOC) counts. (Co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference using multitrait animal models. The mean heritabilities for PFC, SC12, SC18, TC, NEC and EOC were 0.23, 0.38, 0.42, 0.14, 0.16, 0.06, respectively, and suggest that selection will change the mean values of these traits over time. The genetic and phenotypic correlations for most pairs formed by a precocity and a resistance trait were not different from zero, suggesting that selection for sexual precocity traits will not result in changes in resistance traits. Thus, selection for indicator traits of sexual precocity does not elicit unfavorable correlated responses in resistance to endo- and ectoparasites and joint selection aimed at improving these traits can be performed using multitrait selection methods, when necessary.