Female, Male and Genomic Measures for Use in Genetic Selection to Improve Lifetime Weaning Rate of Brahman Cattle

Abstract

Female and male measures with potential to be practical, early-in-life genetic indicators of female reproduction in Brahmans were chosen from earlier reports and compared, along with genomic measures, for multi-trait use to improve Brahman lifetime annual weaning rate ('LAWR'). Results suggested substantial genetic gains in 'LAWR' may be possible in 10 years using these measures, but need confirming in other data. Female hip height and coat score and male preputial eversion and liveweight were measures that could warrant wider recording for 'LAWR' improvement. Recording of pregnancy test outcomes from matings 1 and 2 should also be encouraged. A genomic EBV in combination with other measures added to the gain in 'LAWR', but needed an accuracy approaching 60% to be the most important contributor to gains in the combinations of measures studied.