This work aimed to estimate the genetic (maternal and direct effects), phenotypic and environmental parameters and trends of the following features; time to reach 160 kg (D160) in the pre-weaning period and time to reach 240 kg (D240) in the post-weaning period for Nellore cattle born between 1980 and 2001 in the state of Bahia (Brazil). The software MTDFREML was used to estimate the genetic parameters and predict the genetic values. The trends were estimated through regression by weighed mean of the dependent variables over the birth year. On direct and maternal heritabilities for D160, respectively, were 0.13 ± 0.02 and 0.07 ± 0.02. The genetic and maternal trends from both maternal and direct effects were non significant, indicating a lack of selection for growth rate traits over years. However, phenotypic progress was evidenced during this period, indicating that producers have been improving animal’s raising conditions.
