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Decoding Beef: Unlocking Genetic Secrets for Better Breeding

Jordan Keane in Science & Nature December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A genetic dive into the Tabapuã breed reveals key insights for optimizing growth and maternal traits in beef cattle."

In beef cattle farming, understanding how genetics influence growth is crucial for improving herd quality and productivity. It's not just about what you see on the surface; the hidden genetic factors, particularly the influence of the mother, play a significant role in how well your cattle develop.

Traditionally, assessing these genetic factors has been complex, often relying on methods that struggle with large datasets. However, recent advancements in statistical methods, specifically Bayesian analysis, offer a more robust way to dissect these complex genetic traits.

This article explores a study that uses Bayesian methods to analyze the growth characteristics of Tabapuã cattle in Bahia, Brazil. By comparing different genetic models, we'll uncover the key factors influencing growth and explore how this knowledge can be applied to optimize breeding programs.

Maternal Magic: Why Mom Matters in Beef Cattle Growth

Researchers compared two models: one that isolates direct genetic effects and another that includes the maternal effect (the impact of the mother's genes and environment on her offspring). The study used data on Tabapuã cattle, focusing on weights at 205 days (P205), 365 days (P365), and 550 days (P550).

The results clearly showed that including the maternal effect provided a better fit for the data. This means that a significant portion of a calf's growth is influenced by its mother's genes and the environment she provides.

Bayes Factor (FB) & Deviance Information Criterion (DIC): Models considering maternal effects had lower FB and DIC values, indicating a better fit.
Heritability Estimates: Direct heritability estimates ranged from 0.33 to 0.44, while maternal heritability estimates were lower, ranging from 0.15 to 0.16. This suggests that while direct genetics are important, maternal influences cannot be ignored.

These findings highlight the importance of considering maternal traits when selecting breeding stock. Ignoring the maternal effect can lead to inaccurate predictions of offspring performance and hinder genetic progress.

Breeding for the Future: Practical Takeaways

This study provides valuable insights for beef cattle breeders looking to improve the genetic potential of their herds. By acknowledging the significance of maternal effects, breeders can make more informed decisions about which animals to select for breeding programs.

However, the study also revealed that genetic progress in the Tabapuã breed has been slow, with some maternal traits even showing negative trends. This suggests that current selection strategies may not be effectively targeting the right traits or that environmental factors are limiting genetic expression.

To accelerate genetic improvement, breeders should consider: <ul> <li>Balancing Direct and Maternal Traits: Select for both growth traits and maternal characteristics like milk production and mothering ability.</li> <li>Improving Data Collection: Accurately record maternal performance to better assess genetic potential.</li> <li>Optimizing Environmental Conditions: Ensure cattle have access to adequate nutrition and health care to maximize genetic expression.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-4162-8288, Alternate LINK

Title: Parâmetros E Ganhos Genéticos Em Características De Crescimento De Bovinos Tabapuã Da Bahia

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: B.M. Campos, F.F. Silva, R. M. Filho, C.H.M. Malhado, P.L.S. Carneiro

Published: 2016-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What was the main focus of the study on beef cattle?

The study focused on the Tabapuã breed of beef cattle. Researchers analyzed growth characteristics at different stages: 205 days (P205), 365 days (P365), and 550 days (P550). The key objective was to understand how both direct genetic effects and maternal effects influence these growth traits. By comparing different genetic models, the study aimed to identify factors affecting growth and how this information can be applied to optimize breeding programs for beef cattle.

What are maternal effects and why are they important?

Maternal effects refer to the influence of the mother's genes and the environment she provides on her offspring's growth. This impact is significant because the study found that including the maternal effect in the genetic models provided a better fit for the data. This implies that a substantial portion of a calf's growth is determined by its mother's genetic makeup and the environment she creates. The mother's influence extends beyond just her genes, encompassing the prenatal and postnatal environment, which affects the calf's development. Ignoring this maternal influence can lead to inaccurate predictions of offspring performance and hamper overall genetic progress in a herd.

What is Bayesian analysis, and how was it used in the context of this study?

Bayesian analysis is a statistical method used to analyze complex genetic traits. In this context, it enabled researchers to compare different genetic models, including those with and without maternal effects, to determine which best described the growth patterns of Tabapuã cattle. Bayesian methods are particularly useful for handling large datasets and accounting for the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The use of this technique in the study allowed for a more robust dissection of the factors influencing growth characteristics.

What do the heritability estimates tell us about direct and maternal genetic effects?

Direct heritability estimates, which reflect the influence of the calf's own genes, ranged from 0.33 to 0.44, while maternal heritability estimates, representing the influence of the mother's genes, were lower, ranging from 0.15 to 0.16. This indicates that both direct genetics and maternal influences play roles, although direct genetic effects appear to have a slightly larger impact. This doesn't diminish the significance of the maternal effect; rather, it emphasizes that the mother's contributions are still substantial and cannot be overlooked in breeding strategies.

How can the findings of this study be applied in practice for beef cattle breeding?

The practical implications for beef cattle breeders are significant. By acknowledging the significance of maternal effects, breeders can make more informed decisions about which animals to select for breeding programs. Breeders can potentially improve herd performance by taking the maternal effect into account. Breeders can select for maternal traits such as mothering ability and milk production. This approach ensures that offspring not only inherit desirable direct genetic traits but also benefit from a supportive maternal environment, leading to improved growth and overall herd productivity.