Evaluation of Genetic Variance For Growth and Feeding Efficiency Traits in A Small Herd of Egyptian Buffalo | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences | ||||
| Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 20 July 2025 PDF (905.64 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejvs.2025.377115.2798 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Mohammed Atef Kamal El-Den1; Mohamed Ibrahim Shehab El-Din 2; Fahmy Ahmed Sharara2; Eltaher Mohammad Saudi3; Esteftah Mohamed El-Komy  4
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| 1Department of Animal Productions, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt | ||||
| 2Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt. | ||||
| 3Animal production department, faculty or agriculture, alazhar university | ||||
| 4Animal Production Department, Agriculture and Biology Research Institute, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., 12622 Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variance of growth and feeding efficiency traits in Egyptian buffalo to enhance selection strategies for improved productivity. Data were collected from 114 Egyptian buffalo calves. The calves were offspring of 3 sires and 32 dams and were managed under a semi-intensive production system. Growth traits included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), and average daily gain (ADG) at different growth phases. Feed efficiency was assessed using the Kleiber ratio (KR) at weaning, yearling, and cumulatively from birth to one year. Genetic parameters were estimated using WOMBAT software. Moderate heritability was observed for growth traits (BW: 0.27, WW: 0.31, YW: 0.29), indicating a strong genetic basis for selection. Daily gain traits also showed moderate heritability (ADG1: 0.25, ADG2: 0.31, ADG3: 0.28). Efficiency traits had moderate heritability (KR1: 0.15, KR2: 0.18, and KR3: 0.20), which means that the higher heritability of KR3 could lead to bigger genetic gains than in earlier stages of growth. Management plays a crucial role in metabolic efficiency. Maternal effects were most significant for early growth traits but diminished with age. Environmental factors significantly influenced yearling weight and metabolic efficiency, emphasizing the need for stable feeding and management conditions. To improve growth performance in Egyptian buffalo, a strategic approach should focus on selecting animals with high direct heritability. Moreover, maintaining consistent environmental and nutritional conditions is crucial for optimizing productivity. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Buffalo; Growth; Heritability; productivity; Selection | ||||
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