RESUMO

An andrological exam was carried out in 1058 animals of Nellore breed with the objective to evaluate the andrological parameters of bulls that took part in a genetic enhancing program, Genetic Enhancing Program of Nellore Breed (GEPNB) and its genetic correlations, as well as the influence of the consanguinity in genetic parameters of fertility. Descriptive statistics were applied to evaluate the existing variability among the evaluated characteristics and also correlations were made to establish the association level between different characteristics. We can observe that the existent variability among the characteristics analyzed in the andrological exam is important. Animals that have scrotal perimeter measurement (EP) and superior testicle volume (TV) presented positive numbers for motility and spermatic strengh. In relation to major defects, minor defects and the total of abnormalities there could not be found significant correlations (p<0,05) with the EP and TV. Most of the correlations between the andrological exam and the genetic values, expected difference in the progeny (EDP) and total genetic merit (TGM), were not significant, a relevant fact is that animals that have Edp’s for the perimeters 365, 450, and 550 longer and superior shows a slight tendence to present minor total defects, that, being a good indicator that the selection for the EP reduces

Avaliaram-se as características andrológicas de 1058 touros, do Programa de Melhoramento Genético da Raça Nelore (PMGRN), e suas correlações com características genéticas e a influência da endogamia nos parâmetros genéticos de fertilidade. Animais com medidas de perímetro escrotal (PE) e volume testicular (VT) superior apresentaram coeficiente de correlação positivos para motilidade e vigor espermáticos. Para os defeitos maiores, menores e totais não foram encontradas correlações significativas (p> 0,05) com o PE e VT. As correlações entre andrológico e valores genéticos, diferença esperada na progênie e mérito genético total, não diferenciaram (p>0,05). O PE e o VT medidos aos 700 dias de vida tiveram uma correlação baixa com os pesos e perímetros mensurados em todas as idades. A motilidade e o vigor observados no andrológico não se corresponderam com nenhuma medida aferida até os 550 dias, mas correlacionaram-se positivamente com perímetro aos 700 dias. Diferentemente do observado aos 700 dias, os animais