R. Bras. Zootec.27/Feb/2026;55:e20240196.
Estimation of genetic potential for growth traits in Anatolian buffaloes
Yusuf Kaplan
, Samet Çinkaya
, Mustafa Demirtaş
, Mustafa Tekerli
ABSTRACT
To conduct an optimal breeding and selection program, it is necessary to understand the genetic underpinnings of the desired traits. Early growth is an indicator of future success in the production and reproduction of buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate the (co)variance components for growth traits of Anatolian buffalo calves in Yozgat by employing six animal models with the different combinations of additive genetic, maternal genetic, maternal permanent effects, and covariance between offspring and dam. Birth weight (BW), six-month weight (SMW), twelve-month weight (TMW), and average daily gain (ADG) were analyzed with the data collected from 2726 Anatolian buffalo calves born between 2016 and 2023. Estimation of variance components and genetic parameters for growth traits of Anatolian buffaloes was performed with WOMBAT software. For each trait, Akaike’s information criterion was used to detect the most appropriate model. The results showed that the best-fitted models explaining the variation in weights at birth (BW), six (SMW), and twelve (TMW) months of age and average daily gain (ADG) were models 3, 4, 1, and 1, respectively. Direct heritabilities for BW, SMW, TMW, and ADG were estimated in the range of 0.04±0.09-0.14±0.06, 0.23±0.09-0.49±0.15, 0.36±0.18-0.68±0.31, and 0.41±0.19-0.86±0.33, respectively. Maternal heritabilities for same traits were ranged between 0.02±0.09-0.04±0.03, 0.02±0.09-0.36±0.15, 0.05±0.14-0.22±0.24, and 0.00±0.15-0.20±0.25, respectively. This study unveiled genetic variability for growth traits in Anatolian buffaloes, suggesting that focusing selection efforts on these traits holds considerable promise for enhancing overall performance.