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Correlation between PTA for milk and beef traits of Guzerá animals from dual-purpose herds in Brazil
PTA for milk and beef traits were used with the objective to assess the genetic correlations. PTA for milk traits were estimated from 7,636 lactation records and for beef traits from 172,764 records, using an animal model. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were obtained using the SAS® procedures. Overall correlations between PTA for milk and beef traits were positive and ranged from zero to lightly moderate magnitude, varying with the dataset used. Results raised up three hypotheses: first, there is a non-evident antagonism between milk and beef traits; second, there is no expressive genetic correlation between milk and beef traits in the Guzerá breed; and third, joint selection for dairy and beef purposes can be inducing a favorably relationship between those traits. In conclusion, if the two first hypotheses are confirmed, selection for dual-purpose can result in genetic progress for both traits.
Keywords:
Zebu cattle
Genetic correlation
Selection goal
