138 GENETIC PARAMETER ESTIMATION FOR EMBRYO TRANSFER TRAITS

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Di Croce ◽  
A. M. Saxton ◽  
N. R. Rohrbach ◽  
F. N. Schrick
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Phenotypic Traits

Genetic selection has made tremendous progress on economically important traits in the beef industry. Most of the progress has been from quantitative genetics through use of expected progeny differences (EPD). These values allow prediction of differences in progeny of a sire compared to progeny of other sires. Development of EPD for male and female reproductive traits has largely been ignored because of low heritability of reproductive traits, even though reproduction plays a vital role in the economics of beef operations. Therefore, continued research in the area of genetic selection for fertility is becoming increasingly important. Critical limiting factors for animal breeding programs using MOET nucleus schemes include variability in superovulatory response of donor animals and resulting pregnancy of transferred embryos. Thus, the overall objective of this research was to develop genetic parameters associated with MOET to assist producers in identifying animals with greater genetic merit for these protocols. Records were examined from a large-scale MOET system in beef cattle that contained data only for cows in which at least one transferable embryo was obtained. Data on these animals were extracted and analyzed on 10 425 transferred embryos (2900 collections) from 611 donor animals (Angus, Brangus, and Charolais) utilizing semen from 215 bulls. Phenotypic traits examined included pregnancy status of the recipient following transfer (ET-preg; determined by rectal palpation at 60 days post-transfer and/or confirmed calving date of recipient), number of transferable embryos per collection (ET-trans), and number of unfertilized ova at collection (ET-UFO). Basic statistical analysis and pedigree/trait files were developed using procedures in SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Genetic parameters were estimated for a single-trait animal model using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures in Wombat (Meyer K 2007 Zhejiang Uni. Science B 8, 815–821). Wombat also computed EPD and standard errors for each trait evaluated. The model included fixed effects of year as well as random animal and residual effects. The EPD for ET-preg ranged from –6.1 to 4.4% (SE = 2.2 to 4.2) for semen sires (sires of the transferred embryos) and –5.3 to 3.8% (SE = 3.2 to 4.2) for donor animals. Additionally, the heritability estimated for ET-preg was 0.03. Heritability estimated for ET-trans was 0.00, indicating minute genetic variation and thus, EPD were not presented. Heritability estimated for ET-UFO was 0.05 with EPD values (deviation of the number of UFO from the mean) ranging from –0.6 to 0.8 (SE = 0.3 to 0.6) for semen sires and –0.4 to 1.1 (SE = 0.5 to 0.6) for donor cows. As previously shown for reproductive traits, heritability of ET-preg, ET-trans, and ET-UFO was low. Genetic improvement in fertility by selection on embryo transfer traits is possible, but progress would be slow. Further studies are underway on a larger dataset to refine these estimates and to examine repeatability.

scholarly journals GENETIC PARAMETER ESTIMATES FOR PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS IN DAIRY BUFFALOES

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 216-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAMILA DA COSTA BARROS ◽  
RÚSBEL RAUL ASPILCUETA-BORQUIS ◽  
ANGELINA BOSSI FRAGA ◽  
HUMBERTO TONHATI
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Milk Components

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variation in milk production, milk components, and reproductive traits in dairy buffaloes. A total of 9,318 lactation records from 3,061 cows were used to estimate the heritability of milk yield (MY), fat percentage (%F), protein percentage (%P), lactation length (LL), calving interval (CI), and age at first calving (AFC), as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations between these traits. Covariance components were estimated by Bayesian inference in a multitrait animal model using the GIBBS2F90 program. Contemporary groups and number of milkings (1 or 2) were included as fixed effects, age of dam at calving (linear and quadratic effects) as a covariate, and additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual effects as random effects. The heritability estimates (± standard deviation) were 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.05, 0.40 ± 0.05, 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.01, and 0.16 ± 0.04 for MY, %F, %P, LL, CI, and AFC, respectively. The genetic correlations between MY and %F, %P, LL, CI, and AFC were -0.29, -0.18, 0.66, 0.08, and 0.24, respectively. Milk production and milk components showed sufficient genetic variation to obtain genetic gains through selection. The genetic correlations between MY and milk components were negative, and thus, undesirable because efforts to increase MY may decrease milk quality. Reproductive traits had little genetic influence, indicating that improvement of management would be sufficient to obtain better performance.

scholarly journals Bayesian inference of genetic parameters for reproductive and performance traits in White Leghorn hens

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 230-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.O. Rosa ◽  
G.C. Venturini ◽  
T.C.S. Chud ◽  
B.C. Pires ◽  
M.E. Buzanskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Inference ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
White Leghorn ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
And Performance

This study estimated the genetic parameters for reproductive and performance traits and determined which ones can be used as selection criteria for egg production in laying hens using the Bayesian inference. The data of 1894 animals from three generations of White Leghorn laying hens were analyzed for fertility (FERT), hatchability (HATC), and birth rate measurements at 60 weeks of age (BIRTH), body weight at 16 and 60 weeks of age (BW16 and BW60), age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg height/width ratio, weight, and density at 28, 36, and 40 weeks of age (RHW28, RHW36, RHW40, WEGG28, WEGG36, WEGG40, DENS28, DENS36, and DENS40, respectively) traits. The genetic parameters were estimated by the Bayesian inference method of multi-trait animal model. The model included the additive and residual genetic random effects and the fixed effects of generation. The a posteriori mean distributions of the heritability estimates for reproductive traits ranged from 0.14 ± 0.003 (HATC) to 0.22 ± 0.005 (FERT) and performance from 0.07 ± 0.001 (RHW28) to 0.42 ± 0.001 (WEGG40). The a posteriori mean distributions of the genetic correlation between reproductive traits ranged from 0.18 ± 0.026 (FERT and HACT) to 0.79 ± 0.007 (FERT and BIRTH) and those related to performance ranged from –0.49 ± 0.001 (WEGG36 and DENS36) to 0.75 ± 0.003 (DENS28 and DENS36). Reproductive and performance traits showed enough additive genetic variability to respond to selection, except for RHW28. This trait alone would have little impact on the genetic gain because environmental factors would have a higher impact compared to those from the additive genetic factors. Based on the results of this study, the selection applied on the BIRTH trait can be indicated to improve FERT and HATC of eggs. Furthermore, the use of the WEGG40 could improve egg quality in this population.

scholarly journals Genetic effects on reproductive traits in Warmblood horses

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Wolc ◽  
G. Torzynski ◽  
T. Szwaczkowski
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Effect ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Additive Genetic Effect ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Horse Breeding ◽  
Estimate Heritability ◽  
Genetic Trends

Reproductive efficiency is an important issue in horse breeding. However, almost no estimates of genetic parameters of reproductive traits in horses can be found in the literature. The objective of the study was to estimate heritability and genetic trends of foaling rate and number of reproductive seasons in Warmblood horses. The records of 3965 mares from six studs were analyzed. Mares were on average kept for 7.3 reproductive seasons with a foaling rate of 66%. Models included fixed effects of stud, period of birth, breed and random additive genetic effect. Heritability estimates were 0.12 for foaling rate and 0.17 for number of reproductive seasons. Key words: Heritability, reproduction, horse

scholarly journals Estimation of genetic parameters for female fertility traits in the Czech Holstein population

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 199-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Brzáková ◽  
Ludmila Zavadilová ◽  
Josef Přibyl ◽  
Petr Pešek ◽  
Eva Kašná ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Effect ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Additive Genetic Effect ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Age At First Calving ◽  
Fertility Traits ◽  
Holstein Population

Genetic parameters for fertility traits in Czech Holstein population were estimated. The database obtained from the Czech-Moravian Breeders Corporation with 6 414 486 insemination records between years 2005–2015 was used. Date of calving of the selected animals was taken from the database of milk records from 2005–2015. Fertility traits were age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI) and first service to conception interval in cows (FSC-C) and heifers (FSC-H). The heritability of each trait was estimated using single-trait animal models. The model included fixed effects of herd-year-season of birth, herd-year-month of calving, lactation order, parity, last calving ease, linear and quadratic regressions on age at first insemination in heifers or on age at first calving in cows. Random effects were animal, permanent environmental effect and random residual error. After edits, the final data set included up to 599 901 observations from up to 448 037 animals dependent on traits. The range of heritability estimates was from 0.010 to 0.058. The lowest heritability was for first service to conception interval in heifers, and the highest heritability was for age at first service. Variances of random permanent effects were higher than variance of additive genetic effect in all traits manifested in mature cows. Repeatability ranged from 0.060 to 0.090. Genetic correlations between traits were estimated using a bivariate animal model. High positive genetic correlations were found between AFS–AFC, DO–CI, FSC-C–DO and FSC-C–CI. A moderate genetic correlation was found between AFS–FSC-H and between AFC. A negative correlation was found between AFS–FSC-C. Correlations between other traits were close to zero. The results suggest that the level of these reproductive traits can be improved by selection of animals with high genetic merit.

Some factors affecting the estimation of genetic parameters for cattle dystocia under a threshold model

1991 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Manfredi ◽  
M. San Cristobal ◽  
J. L. Foulley
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Effects ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Threshold Model ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Marginal Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Maternal Grandsire

AbstractGenetic parameters for dystocia in the Main-Anjou breed were estimated. Data consisted of 28 178 birth records collected between 1978 and 1989 in 995 herds, with 161, 71 and 12 415 sires, maternal grandsires and dams, respectively, represented. Original scores (1 through 5) were collapsed in order to set two dystocia definitions: dystocia 1 (scores 1+2 v. 3+4+5) and dystocia 2 (scores 1 v. 2+3+4+5). Four models were proposed for genetic parameter estimation: (1) fixed effects plus sire effects; (2) model 1 plus maternal grandsire effect; (3) model 2 plus dam within maternal grandsire effects; (4) same as model 3 but a random effect ‘herds’ replaced a fixed effect ‘regions’. Two methods of fitting models were applied: marginal maximum likelihood and the ‘tilde-hat’ approach. Estimates of genetic parameters by the two methods were similar. Models ignoring maternal effects overestimated the heritability of direct effects especially in the case of dystocia 2. Dystocia definition was responsible for the greatest difference among estimated genetic parameters. Possible reasons for this are discussed. When analysing large data sets, it is recommended judiciously to collapse dystocia categories and to apply approximate statistical procedures to complete models including maternal effects.

scholarly journals Genetic Parameters of Workability Traits in the Population of Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows Based on Conventional and Genomic Data

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2443
Author(s):  
Bartosz Szymik ◽  
Piotr Topolski ◽  
Wojciech Jagusiak
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Genomic Data ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Holstein Friesian

Heritabilities of workability (WT) traits—milking speed (MS) and temperament (MT)—as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations between these traits in the population of Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows were estimated. The estimation of genetic parameters was performed twice: first with the use of pedigree data; and second with the use of pedigree and genomic data. Phenotypic data from routinely conducted MS and MT evaluations for 1,045,511 cows born from 2004 to 2013 were available; the cows were evaluated from 2011 to 2015. The main dataset was reduced based on imposed restrictions (e.g., on age of calving, stage of lactation and day of first trial milking). The dataset prepared in this manner comprised 391,615 cows. It was then reduced to daughters of 10% randomly selected sires for computational reasons. Finally, for genetic parameter estimation, 13,280 records of cows were used. The linear observation model included additive random effects of animal, fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving subclass (HYS) and lactation phase, fixed regressions on cow age at calving and the percent of HF breed genes in the cow genotype. Heritabilities estimated based on pedigree data were 0.12 (±0.0067) for MS and 0.08 (±0.0063) for MT, the genetic correlation between MS and MT was estimated at 0.05 (±0.0002) and the phenotypic correlation coefficient was estimated at 0.14 (±0.0004). The inclusion of genomic information of sire bulls had no clear effect on the size of the estimated WT genetic parameters. The heritabilities of MS and MT were 0.11 (±0.0065) and 0.09 (±0.0012), respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were 0.07 (±0.0003) and 0.12 (±0.0005), respectively. The sizes of the obtained heritabilities of WT and of the genetic and phenotypic correlation between these traits indicate the possibility of effective population improvement for both WT traits.

scholarly journals Genetic parameter estimates for birth and weaning weights in Raeini goats

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gholizadeh ◽  
G. Rahimi Mianji ◽  
M. Hashemi ◽  
H. Hafezian
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Genetic Covariance ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Variance And Covariance Components ◽  
Estimate Variance ◽  
Additive Genetic Effects

The aim of the present study was to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for birth and weaning weights in Raeini goats. The data were collected from the Breeding Centre of Raeini (BCR) cashmere goats in Kerman province of Iran from 1986 to 2008. Random effects included direct and maternal additive genetic effects, maternal permanent environmental effects with direct-maternal genetic covariance and random residual effects. Variance and covariance components and genetic parameters were estimated using the DFREML program by fitting six single-trait animal models. Depending on the model, h<sub>d</sub><sup>2</sup> varied from 0.057 to 0.323 for birth weight and from 0.043 to 0.229 for weaning weight. Estimates of <I>m</I><sup>2</sup> ranged from 0.016 to 0.289 for birth weight and from 0.01 to 0.184 for weaning weight. The maternal permanent environmental effect was significant for both traits and ignoring maternal effects in the model caused the overestimation of direct heritability.

Comparison of models and impact of missing records on genetic evaluation of calving ease in a simulated beef cattle population

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yachun Wang ◽  
Flávio S Schenkel ◽  
Stephen P Miller ◽  
James W Wilton
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Calving Ease ◽  
Management Group ◽  
Total Proportion ◽  
The Impact

This study compared the application of a bivariate linear-linear (LL) and a linear-threshold (LT) sire-maternal grandsire model for genetic evaluation of calving ease (CE), using birth weight (BW) as a correlated trait, and assessed the impact of missing records on genetic evaluation of CE in a simulated multi-breed beef population that mimicked phenotypic and genetic parameters of beef cattle in Ontario. Models included fixed age-of-dam by sex-of-calf, management group, breed and heterosis effects, and random direct and maternal genetic, maternal permanent environment and residual effects. The LL model was applied to BW and CE Snell scores, and LT model was applied to BW and CE raw scores. CE evaluations were similar between the LL and LT models with no obvious advantage for either model. The two models performed similarly with respect to accuracy and rank correlation of predicted genetic effects and recovered true values of genetic parameters and fixed effects, except for CE maternal heterosis from LL model. The effect of missing records was assessed using the LT model. All dispersion and location parameters were generally well recovered, even when the total proportion of missing records of both traits was up to 41%. Levels of missing CE and BW records that exist in Ontario do not seem to adversely affect genetic evaluation of CE. Key words: Accuracy, Gibbs sampling, heterosis, Snell score

scholarly journals Genetic parameters and genetic gains for reproductive traits of Arabi sheep

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Roshanfekr ◽  
P. Berg ◽  
K. Mohammadi ◽  
Mirza Mohamadi
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Litter Weight

The current study reports, for the first time, the genetic parameters and genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations and trends of reproductive traits in Arabi sheep. Data were collected at Animal Science Research Station of Khuzestan Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University (ASRSKRANRU), south-west of Iran from 2001 to 2008. Litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW) averaged 1.11 lambs, 1.01 lambs, 3.83 kg, 19.43 kg, 4.16 kg and 20.12 kg, respectively. Genetic parameters and correlations were estimated with univariate and bivariate models using restricted maximum likelihood, breeding values of animals were estimated with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and genetic- and phenotypic trends by regression of ewes? average breeding values and phenotypic least square means on year of birth respectively. Random effects were fitted by additive direct genetic effects and permanent environment related to the ewe as well as service sire effects, in addition to fixed effects of ewe age at lambing and lambing year. Heritability estimates of 0.05, 0.02, 0.13, 0.12, 0.04, and 0.06, and repeatability estimates of 0.08, 0.06, 0.17, 0.16, 0.14 and 0.21 for the six traits, respectively. Genetic correlations between traits varied from ?0.82 to 0.94. Phenotypic correlations were lower, ranging from ?0.33 to 0.52. Estimated annual genetic progress was very low; ?0.003 lambs for LSW and 15 g for TLWW. Annual phenotypic trend was only significant for LSW being 0.007 lambs. The study concluded that indirect selection based on total litter weight at weaning could be efficient for the traits studied.

scholarly journals   Estimation of genetic parameters of reproductive traits in Zandi sheep using linear and threshold models

2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 382-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Mohammadi ◽  
M. Moradi Shahrbabk ◽  
M. Vatankhah
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Linear Analysis ◽  
Threshold Analysis ◽  
Selection Indexes ◽  
Estimation Of Genetic Parameters ◽  
Zandi Sheep

Genetic parameters for reproductive traits in Zandi sheep were estimated from data records of 5025 lambs from 178 sires and 1967 dams collected between the years 1993 and 2010 using ASReml statistical package. Genetic parameters were estimated for four basic and two composite traits. Year of lambing and age of ewe were used as fixed effects. Due to repeated record of ewe animal direct genetic effects and permanent environmental effects were considered random. The heritability estimates for conception rate, number of lambs born, number of lambs born alive, number of lambs alive at weaning, number of lambs born per ewe exposed, and number of lambs weaned per ewe exposed were low with linear model &ndash; 0.05, 0.14, 0.12, 0.09, 0.05, and 0.04 respectively while the estimates resulting from threshold analysis were 0.11, 0.19, 0.14, 0.16, 0.12, and 0.11, respectively. Estimates of heritabilities for animal genetic and permanent environmental effects were low mainly due to the typical strong influence of environmental factors on reproductive traits. Estimates of repeatabilities for animal permanent environmental effects were low to medium by linear analysis, and medium by threshold analysis. These estimates of genetic parameters may provide a basis for deriving selection indexes for reproductive traits. &nbsp;

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