scholarly journals Genetic relationship between type traits, number of lactations initiated, and lifetime milk performance in Czech Fleckvieh cattle

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 501-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Novotný ◽  
J. Frelich ◽  
J. Beran ◽  
L. Zavadilová
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Genetic Relationship ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Lifetime Performance ◽  
Dual Purpose Cattle ◽  
Type Traits ◽  
Milk Performance

Genetic relationship was analyzed between type traits and longevity measures in dual-purpose cattle. Data from 91 486 Czech Fleckvieh cows first calved between 2003 and 2009 were used. Longevity was defined as the actual number of lactations initiated per cow and also as functional longevity, which incorporated an adjustment to account for variation in voluntary culling based upon milk production. Lifetime performance was defined as cumulative milk production through the 6<sup>th</sup> parity. All cows were scored for conformation traits during their first lactation. Genetic correlations between these traits and longevity measures were estimated by bivariate analysis using the DMU variance component program package. Type trait heritabilities ranged from 0.30 to 0.59, while heritabilities for longevity and functional longevity were 0.06 and 0.05, respectively. Heritability of lifetime performance was 0.08. Genetic correlations between type traits and longevity measures ranged from low to intermediate values. Genetic correlations of the measured body size traits to the real and functional longevity ranged from –0.06 to –0.29, for udder traits from –0.02 to 0.33, and for foot and leg traits from –0.03 to 0.17. Genetic correlations between the measured body size traits and lifetime performance ranged from –0.03 to –0.30, for udder traits from 0.05 to 0.47, for foot and leg traits from –0.07 to 0.15. Genetic correlations of composite trait scores for frame, muscularity, feet and legs, and udder with longevity traits ranged from –0.20 to 0.41 and for lifetime performance –0.14 to 0.51. The highest genetic correlations between a type trait and functional longevity were for composite udder score (0.25), feet and legs (0.26), and udder depth (0.33), suggesting that these traits could serve as indicators of functional longevity. We conclude that selection based upon easily and inexpensively measured type traits could improve functional longevity of cows as well as lifetime milk production.

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.

Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates between production, feed intake, feed efficiency, body weight and linear type traits in first lactation Holsteins

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. W. Kennedy ◽  
J. C. M. Dekkers ◽  
R. K. Moore ◽  
L. Jairath
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Type Traits

Production and feed intake data on 36 115 first lactation Holstein cows obtained from Quebec Dairy Herd Analysis Service were combined with conformation data from the Holstein Association of Canada to estimate genetic correlations among production, energy intake, and conformation traits. Traits considered were 305-d milk yield, 305-d grain energy and total energy intake, feed efficiency (fat corrected milk yield/total energy intake), body weight at calving, capacity, size, stature, rump width and final score. Genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood based on two-trait animal mixed model analyses. The model contained fixed effects of herd-year, season of calving, age of calving, sire group and a random animal genetic effect. Estimates of heritability were within the published range for all traits. Of the conformation traits examined, capacity, size and stature had the highest correlations with body weight, with phenotypic correlations between 0.36 and 0.43, and genetic correlations between 0.61 and 0.79. Feed efficiency was negatively correlated to all body size measures, both phenotypically (−0.01 to −0.29) and genetically (−0.31 to −0.53), but most significantly with body weight, capacity, size, and stature. Fat-corrected milk yield showed negligible phenotypic and low to moderately negative genetic (−0.07 to −0.29) correlations with body weight and related type traits. Total energy intake was positively related to all measures of body size, most notably body weight, while grain energy intake had moderately negative genetic correlations (−0.20 to −0.40) with the same body size traits. Because of their detrimental relationships with feed efficiency, negative selection emphasis should be placed on body weight and the related type traits capacity, size and stature. Capacity, size and stature are of moderate utility when selecting indirectly for body weight, total energy intake and feed efficiency. Key words: Dairy cattle, genetics, production, conformation, feed efficiency

Relationships among udder type traits and milk yield of Iranian Holstein-Friesian cattle

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 141-141
Author(s):  
M. R. Sanjabi ◽  
M. G. Govindaiah ◽  
M. M. Moeini
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Type Traits ◽  
High Production ◽  
Friesian Cattle

Correlation among type traits and with milk production has been investigated by Brotherstone (1994) and Misztal et al (1992). One of the primary reasons for collecting and utilizing information on type traits is to aid breeders in selecting profitable functional cows for high production and suitable herd life. The objectives of this study were to estimate phenotypic and genetic correlations among milk production and with udder traits.

Inheritance of linear type traits in dairy cattle and correlations with milk production

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Meyer ◽  
Susan Brotherstone ◽  
W. G. Hill ◽  
Maureen R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Milk Production Traits ◽  
Linear Type ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Type Traits ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Friesian Cattle

ABSTRACTRecords on 18 939 Friesian-Holstein cows classified for 16 linear-type traits and total score in first lactation by the British Friesian Cattle Society and similarly on 13 192 cows in second lactation were analysed to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations among the linear traits. These comprised progeny of 542 and 477 young sires, respectively, together with older sires included to increase connections. Correlations of type with milk production traits and correlations between type in first and second lactations were estimated from subsets (of about one-half) of the data. Effects due to proportion of Holstein in the sires were removed.Heritabilities of the linear traits were similar in first and second lactations, ranging from under 0·15 for one of the leg traits to about 0·5 for stature. Genetic correlations between traits in first and second lactation were generally over 0·75, whereas phenotypic correlations for most traits ranged from 0·3 to 0·6. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among the linear traits were generally low, except for those involving size.Phenotypic correlations between linear traits and milk yield and composition were all small, none exceeding 0·3. Genetic correlations were generally almost as small: taking first and second lactations together, the only consistent non-negligible correlations with yield were for angularity (+0·3), fore-udder attachment (–0·2) and udder depth (–0·4). The linear traits are not useful predictors of yield.

scholarly journals Corpus luteal angiogenesis in a high milk production dairy breed differs from that of cattle with lower milk production levels

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 497-503
Author(s):  
S. Kaessmeyer ◽  
H. Huenigen ◽  
S. Al Masri ◽  
P. Dieckhoefer ◽  
K. Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Endocrine Gland ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Impaired Wound Healing ◽  
Blood Capillaries ◽  
Dual Purpose Cattle

Globally, high producing, young dairy cows often have health and fertility problems such as ovarian, uterine and placental dysfunction, mastitis and impaired wound healing. These health issues can result in a shortened average lifespan of fewer than three lactations. We hypothesise that many of these health issues may be an effect of altered angiogenesis. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate the status of vascularisation in the corpus luteum of a high milk-producing cattle breed (Holstein Friesian) compared with that of low milk producing beef cattle (Limousin) and of dual purpose cattle (Fleckvieh, Rotbunt). The corpus luteum was chosen because as a transient endocrine gland it is one of the few tissues with physiological angiogenesis in the adult. Blood vessels were labelled in paraffin sections of corpora lutea with the lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin I and the following angiogenesis parameters were analysed morphometrically using image analysis: (a) number of blood capillaries per mm<sup>2</sup>, (b) intercapillary distance, (c) percentage area occupied by blood vessels and (d) area of blood vessel lumina (μm<sup>2</sup>). This analysis revealed that the extent of corpus luteal vascularisation is greater in high milk-producing cattle than in beef and dual purpose cattle as shown by a significantly higher number of blood capillaries per mm², significantly shorter intercapillary distances and a higher percentage of the corpus luteum area covered by blood vessels (non-significant). Only the average value of the luminal area of the luteal blood capillaries in the high milk-producing cattle is smaller than that measured in the low producing cattle.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF BODY SIZE ON THE BIOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY OF COWS: A REVIEW

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. MORRIS ◽  
J. W. WILTON
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship

Relationships between body size and the biological efficiency of cows are reviewed in three parts: (1) size and biological efficiency of milk production; (2) size and biological efficiency of beef production; (3) a discussion of some important factors in experimental design, when cattle are of different sizes. Ranges of correlation estimates from different experiments were not always small. The overall relationship between milk yield and body size was 0.33 within breeds of dairy cattle; genetic correlations averaged 0.14. The average correlation of measures of body size with dairy efficiency (milk yield/feed intake) was −0.18, and genetic correlations averaged −0.37. Overall correlations between dairy efficiency and milk yield were large and positive (0.81), and genetic correlations averaged 0.89. In dairy cattle the relationship between milk production and body weight change during lactation was negative. Similarly, in beef cattle, the relationship between calf weaning weight and weight change of cow during lactation was negative. Weaning and yearling weights of calves generally increased with weights of their dams. Biological efficiencies of cow and calf to weaning or yearling weights were superior for small cows, where only combined cow and calf feed requirements and calf weights were considered. When feed requirements for replacements to the breeding herd were included (with extra salvage weight of saleable beef from the breeding herd as cow weight increased), biological efficiency was affected little by cow size unless reproductive performance also changed. Problem areas related to experimental design were the definition of size of cow, the definition of efficiency, and the selection of equitable diets for any given stage in the life cycle.

scholarly journals Ecological total merit index for an Austrian dual purpose cattle breed

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Baumung ◽  
J. Sölkner ◽  
E. Gierzinger ◽  
A. Willam
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Economic Values ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Ecological Index ◽  
Dual Purpose Cattle ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Organic farming plays a considerable role in Austrian agriculture. Therefore it seems to be worthwhile to make suggestions about a more ecological breeding goal for cattle breeds. Because of the fact that Simmental is the most frequent dual purpose cattle breed in Austria, this breed is chosen to show the impact of selection under an ecological total merit index. With model calculations the effect on selection response in milk production beef production and functional traits under selection with the current economic total merit index and more ecological index variants, e.g. with higher economic values for fitness and functional traits, is shown. As a basis for future decisions the efficiency of more or less ecological indices is compared. The results indicate that an increase of the current economic values of functional traits of about 50 percent does not present a great risk, expected selection responses for milk production traits are still high.

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