Can scrotal circumference-based selection discard bulls with good productive and reproductive potential?

<div><p>Nonlinear mixed models were used to describe longitudinal scrotal circumference (SC) measurements of Nellore bulls. Models comparisons were based on Akaike’s information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, error sum of squares, adjusted R² and percentage of convergence. Sequentially, the best model was used to compare the SC growth curve in bulls divergently classified according to SC at 18–21 months of age. For this, bulls were classified into five groups: SC < 28cm; 28cm ≤ SC < 30cm, 30cm ≤ SC < 32cm, 32cm ≤ SC < 34cm and SC ≥ 34cm. Michaelis-Menten model showed the best fit according to the mentioned criteria. In this model, <i>β</i>_<i>1</i> is the asymptotic SC value and <i>β</i>_<i>2</i> represents the time to half-final growth and may be related to sexual precocity. Parameters of the individual estimated growth curves were used to create a new dataset to evaluate the effect of the classification, farms, and year of birth on <i>β</i>_<i>1</i> and <i>β</i>_<i>2</i> parameters. Bulls of the largest SC group presented a larger predicted SC along all analyzed periods; nevertheless, smaller SC group showed predicted SC similar to intermediate SC groups (28cm ≤ SC < 32cm), around 1200 days of age. In this context, bulls classified as improper for reproduction at 18–21 months old can reach a similar condition to those considered as good condition. In terms of classification at 18–21 months, asymptotic SC was similar among groups, farms and years; however, <i>β</i>_<i>2</i> differed among groups indicating that differences in growth curves are related to sexual precocity. In summary, it seems that selection based on SC at too early ages may lead to discard bulls with suitable reproductive potential.</p></div

Goodness of fit for nonlinear models used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls.

<p>Goodness of fit for nonlinear models used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls.</p

Scrotal circumference growth curve estimated by Michaelis-Menten model in Nellore bulls.

<p>Scrotal circumference growth curve estimated by Michaelis-Menten model in Nellore bulls.</p

Parameter estimates (±SE) for nonlinear models used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls.

<p>Parameter estimates (±SE) for nonlinear models used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls.</p

Parameter estimates (±SE) by Michaelis-Menten model used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls classified according SC size at age of 18–21 months.

<p>Parameter estimates (±SE) by Michaelis-Menten model used to describe scrotal circumference growth in Nellore bulls classified according SC size at age of 18–21 months.</p

Distribution of the number of bulls and SC measurements according to classification in the first breeding soundness examination.

<p>Distribution of the number of bulls and SC measurements according to classification in the first breeding soundness examination.</p

Distribution of the numbers of scrotal circumference (SC) measurements by farm and age.

<p>Distribution of the numbers of scrotal circumference (SC) measurements by farm and age.</p

Inflection points and age at inflection points.

<p>Inflection points and age at inflection points.</p

Observed scrotal circumference of Nellore bulls from 497 to 4340 days of age.

<p>Observed scrotal circumference of Nellore bulls from 497 to 4340 days of age.</p

Nonlinear models evaluated in this study to describe scrotal circumference (SC) growth in Nellore bulls.

<p>Nonlinear models evaluated in this study to describe scrotal circumference (SC) growth in Nellore bulls.</p