Genetic and genomic insights into morphological defects in nellore cattle: a comprehensive review.
4 affiliations
- 1Federal University of Bahia, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- 2Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- 3Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. [email protected].
- 4São Paulo State University, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
Abstract
Morphological defects in Nellore cattle, including abnormalities in conformation, feet and legs, navel structure, pigmentation, and craniofacial development, negatively impact productivity, welfare, and long-term herd sustainability. This comprehensive review aimed to synthesize existing genetic and genomic evidence on these defects in purebred Nellore cattle. Studies were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO up to September 2025. Eligible studies included genetic or genomic analyses of morphological defects in purebred Nellore cattle. The methodological characteristics and limitations of the included studies were evaluated descriptively. Results were synthesized using a narrative descriptive approach due to heterogeneity in phenotypes and methodologies. A total of 89 studies were included. This review summarizes phenotype definitions and scoring systems (e.g., MES, EPMURAS, MERCOS) used in breeding programs. Most reported heritability estimates ranged from approximately 0.10 to 0.68 across traits and analytical scales, with liability-scale estimates for binary defects reaching 0.54 for depigmentation. Genetic correlations with growth traits were generally favorable or weak, whereas evidence regarding reproductive traits was limited and less consistent. Linear models are widely used to analyze morphological defects but may underestimate genetic variance for categorical and unbalanced traits, whereas threshold models offered improved theoretical suitability at higher computational cost. Key limitations across studies included evaluator subjectivity, imbalanced score distributions, limited phenotypic granularity, and environmental heterogeneity. Morphological defects show sufficient genetic variability to support inclusion in genetic evaluations. Standardized phenotyping protocols, improved scoring strategies, and expanded genomic analyses are needed to enhance selection accuracy and animal welfare in Nellore cattle.
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BibTeX
@article{campos2026genetic,
title = {{Genetic and genomic insights into morphological defects in nellore cattle: a comprehensive review.}},
author = {Milena Aparecida Ferreira Campos and Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira and Louise Sarmento Martins de Oliveira and Henrique Alberto Mulim and Eduarda da Silva Oliveira and Gregorio M F de Camargo and Raphael Bermal Costa},
journal = {Tropical animal health and production},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s11250-026-05433-8},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894079},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Genetic and genomic insights into morphological defects in nellore cattle: a comprehensive review.
AU - Milena Aparecida Ferreira Campos
AU - Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira
AU - Louise Sarmento Martins de Oliveira
AU - Henrique Alberto Mulim
AU - Eduarda da Silva Oliveira
AU - Gregorio M F de Camargo
AU - Raphael Bermal Costa
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/18
JO - Tropical animal health and production
DO - 10.1007/s11250-026-05433-8
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894079
AB - Morphological defects in Nellore cattle, including abnormalities in conformation, feet and legs, navel structure, pigmentation, and craniofacial development, negatively impact productivity, welfare, and long-term herd sustainability. This comprehensive review aimed to synthesize existing genetic and genomic evidence on these defects in purebred Nellore cattle. Studies were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO up to September 2025. Eligible studies included genetic or genomic analyses of morphological defects in purebred Nellore cattle. The methodological characteristics and limitations of the included studies were evaluated descriptively. Results were synthesized using a narrative descriptive approach due to heterogeneity in phenotypes and methodologies. A total of 89 studies were included. This review summarizes phenotype definitions and scoring systems (e.g., MES, EPMURAS, MERCOS) used in breeding programs. Most reported heritability estimates ranged from approximately 0.10 to 0.68 across traits and analytical scales, with liability-scale estimates for binary defects reaching 0.54 for depigmentation. Genetic correlations with growth traits were generally favorable or weak, whereas evidence regarding reproductive traits was limited and less consistent. Linear models are widely used to analyze morphological defects but may underestimate genetic variance for categorical and unbalanced traits, whereas threshold models offered improved theoretical suitability at higher computational cost. Key limitations across studies included evaluator subjectivity, imbalanced score distributions, limited phenotypic granularity, and environmental heterogeneity. Morphological defects show sufficient genetic variability to support inclusion in genetic evaluations. Standardized phenotyping protocols, improved scoring strategies, and expanded genomic analyses are needed to enhance selection accuracy and animal welfare in Nellore cattle.
SN - 0049-4747
SN - 1573-7438
ER -