EVALUATION OF THE GENETIC COMPONENT IN THE PHENOTYPIC EXPRESSION OF PRODUCTION TRAITS IN NELLORE CATTLE SUBMITTED TO PERFORMANCE TEST

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the genetic component on the phenotypic expression of productive traits of Nellore cattle submitted to the individual performance test. The data used came from 51 young bulls participating in the individual performance test of Nelore bulls held at the Capim Branco experimental farm of the Federal University of Uberlândia. The evaluated traits were weight and scrotal circumference standardized at 365 and at 450 days of age, the longissimus muscle area, and the backfat thickness. The expected progeny differences of the animals and the sires were considered to evaluate the contribution of the genetic component. Variance analysis was performed through the General Linear Model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System to verify the effects of the genetic groups on the productive performance. The progenies of bulls with greater genetic potential tend to present better productive performance. In conclusion, the use of genetically superior animals allows better zootechnical indexes to be obtained, reflecting higher gains in herd productivity.