scholarly journals Genetic correlations among selected traits in Canadian Holsteins

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Martin ◽  
C. Baes ◽  
K. Houlahan ◽  
C.M. Richardson ◽  
J. Jamrozik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Indirect Selection ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Genomic Evaluation ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Novel Traits ◽  
Evaluation Models ◽  
Selected Traits ◽  
Fertility Traits

In the Canadian dairy industry, there are currently over 80 traits routinely evaluated, and more are considered for potential selection. Particularly, in the last few years, recording has commenced for several new phenotypes required to introduce novel traits with high economic importance into the selection program. However, without a systematic estimation of the genetic correlations that exist among traits, the potential results of indirect selection are unknown. Therefore, 29 traits representative of the trait diversity for first lactation Canadian animals were selected. Their two-by-two genetic correlations were estimated from a dataset of 62 498 first lactation Holstein cows, using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Gibbs sampling approach. The general tendencies among the groups of traits confirm that production traits are negatively correlated with fertility traits and that functional traits are positively correlated with one another. The association of udder depth with fertility and disease resistance has also been highlighted. This contribution offers a comprehensive overview of current estimates across traits and includes correlations with novel traits that constitute an original addition to the literature. These new estimates can be used for newly developed genomic evaluation models and possibly lead to more accurate estimations of the dairy cows’ overall genetic merit.

Genetic aspects of common health disorders and measures of fertility in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle

1997 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Pryce ◽  
R. F. Veerkamp ◽  
R. Thompson ◽  
W. G. Hill ◽  
G. Simm
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Milk Fever ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Fertility Traits

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for measures offertility and several health disorders in dairy cows. Data consisted of 33732 records, of which 9163 were on heifers, on 305-day milk yield, health disorders and inseminations. Measures offertility were calculated from calving and insemination dates and included calving interval, days to first service and conception to first service. Health disorders included milk fever, mastitis and lameness. Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood. Heritability estimates for both health disorders and fertility traits were low, ranging from 0·003 to 0·080. All genetic correlations between 305-day milk yield and health and fertility traits, in cows and heifers together, were antagonistic implying that selection for milk yield may have caused a deterioration in health and fertility. The unfavourable correlation between milk yield and health and fertility traits, plus the economic importance of the latter, suggests that future breeding goals should be expanded to include some health disorders and fertility.

scholarly journals Phenotype correlations of linear assessment scores of type and production traits of Simmental cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-68
Author(s):  
Vlada Pantelic ◽  
Dragan Niksic ◽  
Nevena Maksimovic ◽  
Dusica Ostojic-Andric ◽  
Marina Lazarevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Linear Type ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Body Development ◽  
Fertility Traits

Determining the degree of correlation between two or more traits depends to a large extent on their manifestation. The knowledge of genetic and phenotypic correlations between body characteristics of the animal and product characteristics can help define the breeding goal, but also to define and harmonize the assessment criteria. Although the phenotypic and genetic correlations between the traits of body development and type and the milk yield show different degrees of variation, they should be taken into account in the final assessment of the breeding value of the animal so that the selection programs are more comprehesively defined. The examination of phenotypic correlations of linear assessment scores of the type, milk and fertility traits was performed on a total of 303 cows of the Simental breed in the first three lactations. The examination of phenotypic correlations included the following milk performance properties in the first three standard lactations: milk yield, milk fat content, milk fat yield, yield of 4% corrected milk; also fertility traits: age at current calving and service period in each lactation; while the linear type scoring included a group of traits: type or frame, muscularity, fundament, udder.

Genetic analysis of birth weight and related traits in Dorset Down and Hampshire Down sheep

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 224-224
Author(s):  
J. A. Roden ◽  
J. M. Finch ◽  
W. Haresign
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
High Birth Weight ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Genetic Trend ◽  
Important Trait ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Maternal Heritability

In recent years genetic improvement programmes for sheep in the UK have been primarily directed towards the improvement of growth and carcase traits. The possible correlated responses in other production traits, that may not be of such obvious economic importance, have not been fully assessed. Birth weight is such a trait.Although of no direct economic importance, birth weight is an important trait in sheep production. There is a known relationship between birth weight and lamb survival, with lambs of both low and very high birth weight being at greater risk. There have, however, been very few genetic studies of the trait. The aim of this study, which is part of a larger project covering a number of breeds, was to estimate the direct and maternal heritability of birth weight and its genetic correlations with 8 week weight in the Dorset Down and Hampshire Down breeds. In addition the genetic trend in birth weight over a fourteen year period is assessed.

The genetic relationship between interval to commencement of luteal activity postpartum and UK national fertility proofs for dairy cattle

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 54-54
Author(s):  
M.D. Royal ◽  
E. Wall ◽  
A.P.F. Flint
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Similar Magnitude ◽  
Fertility Index ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Fertility Traits ◽  
Coefficient Of Genetic Variation

The coefficient of genetic variation of fertility traits is of a similar magnitude to that present in production traits, however traditional measurements of fertility have low heritability (h2 < 0.05), and recording is often poor, hindering the identification of genetically superior animals. The effect of sire on daughter fertility has been examined as part of a DEFRA LINK project to produce an UK fertility index. The project is investigating the use of six currently recorded traits to calculate sire genetic merit for fertility: calving interval (CI), interval to first service (DIMFIR), nonreturn rate 56 (NR56), number of services per conception (CINSOBS), milk yield and condition score (Wall et al., 2002). An alternative way to measure fertility is to use endocrine measurements such as interval to commencement of luteal activity postpartum (CLA). This parameter is less influenced by management decisions and has a moderate heritability (0.16; Royal et al., 2002a.) and is measurable early in lactation. Although information on the genetic relationships between CLA and other traits of economic importance have been reported previously (Royal et al., 2002a.; Royal et al, 2002b.) further information would be useful in order to assess the usefulness of incorporating CLA into a future UK breeding programme. The objective of these analyses was therefore to obtain information on the genetic correlation (rA) between lnCLA and the emerging UK national fertility proofs.

scholarly journals Genetic relationship of functional longevity with female fertility and milk production traits in Czech Holsteins 

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 554-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Zavadilová ◽  
V. Zink
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Female Fertility ◽  
Protein Yield ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Fertility Traits

The objectives of this study were to estimate heritabilities of and genetic correlations among longevity, milk production, and female fertility traits of Holstein cows. Fertility traits were days open, interval from parturition to first service, and days between the first and last insemination in the first and second lactation, respectively. Production traits were first lactation milk, fat, and protein yield. Functional longevity was defined as the number of days between the first calving and culling, i.e. the length of the productive life. The linear animal model included fixed effects of month-year of first calving, regression on age at first calving, regression on milk yield (only for longevity), and random effects of herd-year, animal, and residual. Heritability estimates for fertility traits ranged from 0.02 &plusmn; 0.009 to 0.06 &plusmn; 0.004. Heritability of longevity was 0.09. Heritability estimates for production traits ranged from 0.29 &plusmn; 0.009 (fat and protein yield) to 0.34 &plusmn; 0.009 (milk yield). Genetic correlations of longevity with fertility were moderate and favourable, ranging from &ndash;0.37 &plusmn; 0.068 to &ndash;0.44 &plusmn; 0.055, except the days between the first and last insemination in the second lactation. Genetic correlations of fertility with production traits were moderate to high and unfavourable, ranging from 0.48 &plusmn; 0.042 to 0.65 &plusmn; 0.034. Substantial herd-year correlations were found between fertility traits. Residual correlations were small except for those between production traits (&gt; 0.85) and between days open and days between the first and last insemination (0.87). Month-year of first calving effects for longevity declined between 1994 and 2002, while those for production traits and for fertility increased slightly or remained stable during this period. Between 1991 and 2003, genetic trend for longevity declined and increased for production. Estimated genetic changes for fertility were unfavourable.

Genetic correlations among body condition score, somatic cell score, milk production, fertility and conformation traits in dairy cows

2004 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. N. Kadarmideen
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Genetic Relationship ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Type Traits ◽  
Fertility Traits

AbstractGenetic and phenotypic parameters for body condition score (BCS), days to first service (DFS), non-return rate (NRR), somatic cell score (SCS), and 305-day milk, fat and protein yields were estimated, using 38930 multiple lactation records of cows across 1830 herds. The cows were daughters of '243 different sires. Single- and multi-trait repeatability animal models were used to estimate parameters based on restricted maximum likelihood methodology. Fixed effects in the model varied depending on the individual trait. Further, genetic relationships between 27 (linear and descriptive) type traits and functional traits (fertility and SCS) were estimated by regressing daughter type records on their sire's estimated breeding values for functional traits, using the same data set. Estimated regression coefficients were then subsequently used to derive approximate genetic correlations between type and functional traits (DFS, NRR and SCS). Body condition score had a moderate heritability (h2) of 0-26 and fertility traits had a low h2 (0-12 for DFS and 0-06 for NRR). Heritability of SCS and milk production traits was 0-14 and around 0-30, respectively. Ratio of permanent environmental variance to phenotypic variance was higher than h2 for all traits considered and ranged from 0-09 for NRR to 0-45 for milk yield. Body condition score had a favourable genetic correlation (rg) with SCS, but it was not strong (-0-08). Milk production was genetically antagonistic with fertility (rg: range 0-12 to 0-27 with DFS and -0-12 to -0-24 with NRR), with BCS (-0-39 to -0-50), and with SCS (0-10 to 0-15) showing that selecting for milk production alone would lead to decline in genetic merit for these functional traits. Body condition score had favourable genetic correlations with fertility traits (-0-35 with DFS and 0-04 with NRR) suggesting that BCS could be considered in a fertility index. Several type traits (especially 'udder' traits) had a favourable genetic relationship with fertility traits and SCS whereas dairy character had an unfavourable genetic relationship. Results of this study on genetic and phenotypic correlations among several functional, type and production traits could be used to design improved selection indexes for dairy producers.

scholarly journals Estimation of variance components for production and fertility traits in Northern Thai dairy cattle to define optimal breeding strategies

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. König ◽  
N. Chongkasikit ◽  
H.-J. Langholz
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Variance Components ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Estimation Of Variance ◽  
Fertility Traits

Abstract. Milk production in Thailand has been growing into an important agricultural sector, but it still faces numerous difficulties in environmental constraints. The main intention of this study was to identify significant environmental effects on production and fertility traits to give advices for farm management. Additionally, adjusting records for environmental impact is essential to define appropriate models for estimation of variance components and improving selection procedures. The data consists of production and reproduction records and body measurements from 2764 Holstein upgrade cows in 252 farms. With a body weight of 415 kg and a production level of 3668 kg milk Thai Holsteins only reach approximately 60 % of performances of Holsteins in temperate zones. Percentages of Holstein genes of cows and quality of roughage sources showed a certain effect on calving interval and services per conception but not on milk performances. Despite seasonal effects were not very pronounced on milk yield, there was a strong interaction between years and calving seasons. Estimates of variance components applying REML and animal models were in the range as expected, i.e. heritabilities for production traits between 0.34 and 0.37, for fertility lower than 0.03 and for body weight 0.46. Genetic correlations between fertility and production traits were near zero. Economic weights for milk yield and calving interval were derived as first derivation of profit functions and used for selection index calculations. Suc

INHERITANCE OF FLOWERING TIME AND ITS APPLICATION FOR INDIRECT SELECTION IN THE DAVIS POPULATION OF GERBERA

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1357F-1358
Author(s):  
Yiran Yu ◽  
James Harding ◽  
Thomas Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Flowering Time ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Indirect Selection ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Narrow Sense ◽  
Narrow Sense Heritability ◽  
Components Of Variance ◽  
Genetic Components ◽  
Flower Yield ◽  
Cut Flower Yield

Genetic components of variance and heritability of flowering time were estimated for five generations of the Davis Populationof Gerbera hybrids, Composite, Estimates of narrow-sense heritability averaged 0.50 and broad-sense heritability averaged 0.77 using the NCII design. Narrow-sense heritability was also estimated with two models of parent-offspring regression, resulting in average heritability of 0.49 and 0.51. Estimates of components of variance indicated that the major genetic effect controlling flowering time is additive. However, the dominance component accounted for 28% of the total variance; the environmental component was only 23%. Flowering time is negatively correlated with cut-flower yield. The phenotypic coefficient was –0.34; genetic correlations were –0.47 when estimated from the NCII design, and –0.72 when estimated from the parent-off-spring method. A practical model was constructed to assess the efficiency of indirect selection for cut-flower yield using flowering time as a marker trait. The advantages of indirect selection accruing from increased population size and reduced generation time are discussed.

scholarly journals High Heritabilities for Antibiotic Usage Show Potential to Breed for Disease Resistance in Finishing Pigs

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 829
Author(s):  
Wim Gorssen ◽  
Dominiek Maes ◽  
Roel Meyermans ◽  
Jürgen Depuydt ◽  
Steven Janssens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Antibiotic Usage ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Parenteral Antibiotic ◽  
On Farm

The use of antimicrobials in animal production is under public debate, mainly due to the risk of transfer of resistance to pathogenic bacteria in humans. Therefore, measures have been taken during the last few decades to reduce antibiotic usage in animals, for instance, by national monitoring programmes and by improving animal health management. Although some initiatives exist in molecular genetic selection, quantitative genetic selection of animals towards decreased antibiotic usage is an underexplored area to reduce antibiotic usage. However, this strategy could yield cumulative effects. In this study, we derived new phenotypes from on-farm parenteral antibiotic records from commercially grown crossbred finishing pigs used in the progeny test of Piétrain terminal sires to investigate the heritability of antibiotics usage. Parenteral antibiotic records, production parameters and pedigree records of 2238 full-sib pens from two experimental farms in Belgium between 2014 and 2020 were analysed. Heritability estimates were moderate (18–44%) for phenotypes derived from all antibiotic treatments, and low (1–15%) for phenotypes derived from treatments against respiratory diseases only. Moreover, genetic correlations between these new phenotypes and mortality were low to moderate (0.08–0.60) and no strong adverse genetic correlations with production traits were found. The high heritabilities and favourable genetic correlations suggest these new phenotypes, derived from on-farm antibiotics records, to be promising for inclusion in future pig breeding programs to breed for a decrease in antibiotics usage.

scholarly journals 272 Proposing a combination of heritable fertility traits for bull selection

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
Marina Fortes ◽  
Wei Liang Andre Tan ◽  
Laercio R Porto-Neto ◽  
Antonio Reverter ◽  
Gry B Boe-Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Fertility Traits ◽  
Protamine Deficiency

Abstract Traits such as sperm morphology and motility are routine in veterinarian evaluations of bull fertility. However, they rarely are included in livestock breeding programs, which typically use only scrotal circumference (SC) and some female traits for fertility selection. We studied 25 male fertility traits measured in two research populations of bulls (1,099 Brahman, and 1,719 Tropical Composite) and one commercial population (2,490 Santa Gertrude bulls). Measurements included standard semen evaluation (e.g. sperm motility and morphology) and SC. In the research data, we also measured sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm protamine deficiency for about 50% of the bulls. Using a mixture of genomic and pedigree analyses, we estimated heritabilities and genetic correlations for all traits, in each population. Our analyses suggest that bull fertility traits have a heritable component, which makes selective breeding possible. The phenotype variation in sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm protamine deficiency traits also have a heritable component (h2 ~ 0.05–0.22). These first estimates for heritability of sperm chromatin phenotypes require further studies, with larger datasets, to corroborate present results. In all three populations, we observed genetic correlations across traits that were favorable, but not high. For example, the percentage of normal sperm (PNS) from the sperm morphology evaluation was positively correlated with SC. In the research data, sperm DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with PNS (r2 ~ 0.23–0.33), meaning that bulls with a higher PNS had less DNA fragmentation, being therefore more fertile according to both indicators. Given the favorable and yet not high genetic correlations between traits, it is possible to envision that sperm chromatin phenotypes might form a panel, together with PNS and SC, for a comprehensive bull fertility index. Selection indices that include fertility traits are being implemented in the dairy industry and could be recommended for beef cattle, too. An index that benefits from the favorable genetic correlations between traits that describe different aspects of bull fertility is a sensible approach to selective breeding. The clinical use of complementary indicators for male fertility is largely accepted, when deciding on bull fitness for the mating season. We propose extending this rationale to create a multi-trait index that captures genetic merit for bull fertility. In addition, we performed genome-wide association analyses in the research data and identified eight QTLs in the X chromosome. Correlations and shared SNP associations support the hypothesis that these phenotypes have the same underlying cause: abnormal spermatogenesis. In conclusion, it is possible to improve bull fertility through selective breeding, by measuring complementary fertility traits. Genomic selection for bull fertility might be more accurate if the X chromosome mutations that underlie the discovered QTL are included in the analyses. Polymorphisms associated with fertility in the bull accumulate in the X chromosome, as they do in humans and mice, thus suggesting specialization of this chromosome.

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