Structure and genetic variability in Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle by pedigree analysis

Parameters based on the probability of gene origin were used to describe the genetic variability in strains of Nellore and polled Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle that participated in the Program for Genetic Improvement of the Nellore Breed (Programa de Melhoramento Genético da Raça Nelore). The effective number of founders was 87.2 for Nellore and 107.9 for polled Nellore, while the number of ancestors was 59.8 for Nellore and 61.5 for polled Nellore and the remaining genomes were 39.4 for Nellore and 34.5 for polled Nellore cattle. The results indicate an intense use (by artificial insemination) of some sires and the absence of subdivisions in the population. The family structure in the two breeds was mainly caused by the genetic contribution of the same sires and only mating preferences for descendants of some founders are recorded in either breed. The results suggest that genetic variability needs monitoring in order to avoid the compromise of genetic improvement in economically important traits in the breeding program.