ABSTRACT.- This study aimed to estimate prediction ability and genetic parameters for residual feed intake (RFI) calculated using a regression equation for each test (RFItest) and for the whole population (RFIpop) in Nellore beef cattle. It also aimed to evaluate the correlations between RFIpop and RFItest with growth, reproductive, and carcass traits. Genotypic and phenotypic records from 8354 animals were used. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to verify the adequacy of the regression equations applied to estimate the RFItest and RFIpop. The (co)variance components were obtained using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction under single and two-trait animal model analyses. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between RFItest and RFIpop with dry matter intake, frame, growth, reproduction, and carcass-related traits were evaluated. The prediction ability and bias were estimated to compare the RFItest and RFIpop genomic breeding values (GEBV). The RFIpop ANOVA showed a higher significance level (p