Abstract:
The objective of this work was to identify which qualitative characters can be used in the direct and indirect selections for high-protein content of Urochloa brizantha genotypes. Nine genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with two replicates. The following qualitative traits were studied: volume of packed gas in fast and slow fractions, crude protein, acid and neutral detergent fibers, cellulose, lignin, silica, and in vitro digestibility of organic matter. The in vitro digestibility of organic matter is indicated for both direct and indirect selections of U. brizantha genotypes with higher crude protein content.
Index terms:
path analysis; association between traits; genetic breeding; crude protein content