Efficiency of using BLUP animal model for estimating the breeding value of Auliekol beef cattle

Authors: Talgat Karymsakov, Pernebek Sailaubek, and Meruyert Tastybay

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2026. vol. 6, Iss. 3 pp:83-92
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.3.0203

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Abstract:

Accurate genetic evaluation is essential for sustainable genetic improvement and for improving the efficiency of beef cattle breeding programs. In Kazakhstan, pedigree cattle are evaluated using either the traditional phenotype-based bonitation system or estimated breeding values (EBV) derived from index-based genetic evaluation. The agreement between these methods has not previously been assessed in the Auliekol beef cattle breed. This study aimed to compare traditional phenotype-based selection with genetic evaluation based on the BLUP Animal Model (BLUP AM) using a comprehensive national breeding dataset. Pedigree and performance records from 102,799 Auliekol cattle were analyzed, and direct EBVs were estimated for 51,665 animals. The distributions of actual weaning and yearling body weights were asymmetric, whereas adjustment to standardized ages of 205 and 365 days resulted in more symmetrical phenotypic distributions. Moderate positive correlations were observed between body weight traits and their corresponding direct EBV (r = 0.51–0.57). Comparison of phenotype-based and EBV-based classifications showed that the two approaches identified partially overlapping but distinct groups of animals, with discordant classifications ranging from 27.6% to 39.9%, depending on sex and age group. These results demonstrate that phenotype-based body weight alone does not fully capture the ranking of animals based on predicted additive genetic merit. Incorporating BLUP-based EBV into the national breeding system may complement the current phenotype-based evaluation, enhance the identification of animals with favorable predicted additive genetic merit, and support more effective genetic improvement of the Auliekol cattle population in Kazakhstan. 

Keywords:

Auliekol cattle, Beef cattle breeding, BLUP Animal Model, Body weight, Estimated breeding value, Genetic evaluation

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