Genetic analysis of feet and leg traits of Australian Angus cattle using linear and threshold models

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Jeyaruban ◽  
Bruce Tier ◽  
David Johnston ◽  
Hans Graser
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Six Traits

The advantages of using a univariate threshold animal model (TAM) over the conventional linear animal model (AM) in the development of a genetic evaluation system for feet and leg traits of Angus cattle were explored. The traits were scored on a scale of 1–9 with scores 5 and 6 being the most desirable. The genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for front feet angle (FA), rear feet angle (RA), front feet claw set (FC), rear feet claw set (RC), rear leg hind view (RH) and rear leg side view (RS) were compared from AM and TAM. In order to predict breeding values to identify the animals with intermediate optimum, the scores were categorised to form three groups to differentiate the desirable group (5–6) from the other two groups with less desirable feet and leg appearances (1–4 and 7–9). The AM and TAM were used to estimate genetic parameters for the grouped data as well as the original score data. A TAM using the group data was used to predict the probability and breeding value for the desirable intermediate group. For the original score data, estimated heritabilities on the underlying scale, using TAM, were 0.50, 0.46, 0.35, 0.44, 0.32 and 0.22 for FA, FC, RA, RC, RH and RS, respectively, and were 0.01–0.18 higher than the heritabilities estimated using AM. Genetic correlation between the six traits using a bivariate TAM with all scores ranged from 0.02 to 0.50 with front and rear angles had the highest genetic correlation at 0.50. For all six traits, proportion in the intermediate desirable group was higher than the other two groups combined. The low annual genetic change observed for all six traits over the 10 years of data recording reflected the lack of directional selection to improve the traits in Angus cattle. For genetic evaluation of feet and leg traits with an intermediate optimum, TAM is a preferred method for estimating genetic parameters and predicting breeding values for the desirable category. The TAM has now been implemented for regular estimated breeding value analysis of feet and leg traits of Angus cattle.

Genetic parameter estimations and genomic insights for teat and udder structure in young and mature Canadian Angus cows

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Devani ◽  
J J Crowley ◽  
G Plastow ◽  
K Orsel ◽  
T S Valente
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Parameter Estimations ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Genetic Evaluations

Abstract Poor teat and udder structure, frequently associated with older cows, impact cow production and health, as well as calf morbidity and mortality. However, producer culling, for reasons including age, production, feed availability, and beef markets, creates a bias in teat and udder scores assessed and submitted to the Canadian Angus Association for genetic evaluations towards improved mammary structure. In addition, due to the infancy of the reporting program, repeated scores are rare. Prior to adoption of genetic evaluations for teat and udder scores in Canadian Angus cattle, it is imperative to verify that teat and udder scores from young cows are the same trait as teat and udder scores estimated on mature cows. Genetic parameters for teat and udder scores from all cows (n=4,192), and then from young cows (parity 1 and 2) and from mature cows (parity ≥ 4) were estimated using a single trait animal model. Genetic correlations for the traits between the two cow age groups were estimated using a two-trait animal model. Estimates of heritability (PSD) were 0.32 (0.07) and 0.45 (0.07) for young teat and udder score, and 0.27 (0.07) and 0.31 (0.07) for mature teat and udder score, respectively. Genetic correlation (PSD) between the young and mature traits was 0.87 (0.13) for teat score and 0.40 (0.17) for udder score. GWAS were used to further explore the genetic and biological commonalities and differences between the two groups. Although there were no genes in common for the two udder scores, 12 genes overlapped for teat score in the two cow age groups. Interestingly, there were also 23 genes in common between teat and udder scores in mature cows. Based on these findings, it is recommended that producers collect teat and udder score on their cow herd annually.

Estimates of genetic parameters and breeding values for New Zealand and Australian Angus cattle

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Covariance Matrices ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Genotype X Environment ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Final Weight ◽  
Adjustment Factors

Genetic parameters and adjustment factors for birth, weaning, yearling and final weight were estimated for the New Zealand Angus population, fitting an animal model including maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects as additional random effects. Overall, pooled covariance matrices agreed well with those for Australian Angus, though heritability estimates for birth weight were somewhat lower than in Australian Angus. BREEDPLAN estimates of breeding values and their accuracies were obtained for each population separately. Correlations between estimates for sires with accurate proofs in both countries agreed with their expectations, giving no indication of a genotype x environment interaction. A joint genetic evaluation using adjustment factors specific to each country but the same covariance matrices is recommended.

scholarly journals Predicting survival and longevity of sows using purebred and crossbred data1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 993-1005
Author(s):  
Maja W Iversen ◽  
Øyvind Nordbø ◽  
Eli Gjerlaug-Enger ◽  
Eli Grindflek ◽  
Theodorus H E Meuwissen
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Prediction Accuracy ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Breeding Goal ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
F1 Cross ◽  
Economic Standpoint ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Survival and longevity are very important traits in pig breeding. From an economic standpoint, it is favorable to keep the sows for another parity instead of replacing them and, from the animal’s perspective, better welfare is achieved if they do not experience health problems. It is challenging to record longevity in purebred (PB) nucleus herds because animals are more likely to be replaced based on breeding value and high replacement rates rather than inability to produce. Crossbred (CB) sows are, however, submitted to lower replacement rates and are more likely to be kept in the farm longer if they can produce large and robust litters. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of CB phenotypes could improve prediction accuracy of longevity for PBs. In addition, a new definition of survival was investigated. The analyzed data included phenotypes from two PB dam lines and their F1 cross. Three traits were evaluated: 1) whether or not the sow got inseminated for a second litter within 85 d of first farrowing (Longevity 1–2), 2) how many litters the sow can produce within 570 d of first farrowing [Longevity 1–5 (LGY15)], and 3) a repeatability trait that indicates whether or not the sow survived until the next parity (Survival). Traits were evaluated both as the same across breeds and as different between breeds. Results indicated that longevity is not the same trait in PB and CB animals (low genetic correlation). In addition, there were differences between the two PB lines in terms of which trait definition gave the greatest prediction accuracy. The repeatability trait (Survival) gave the greatest prediction accuracy for breed B, but LGY15 gave the greatest prediction accuracy for breed A. Prediction accuracy for CBs was generally poor. The Survival trait is recorded earlier in life than LGY15 and seemed to give a greater prediction accuracy for young animals than LGY15 (until own phenotype was available). Thus, for selection of young animals for breeding, Survival would be the preferred trait definition. In addition, results indicated that lots of data were needed to get accurate estimates of breeding values and that, if CB performance is the breeding goal, CB phenotypes should be used in the genetic evaluation.

scholarly journals Untersuchungen zur Mortalität von Legehennen gehalten in Einzel- und Gruppenkäfigen

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-411
Author(s):  
N. Mielenz ◽  
M. Schmutz ◽  
L. Schüler
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Breeding Programme ◽  
Threshold Models ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Value Estimation ◽  
Commercial Breeding

Abstract. Title of the paper: Mortality of laying hens housed in single and group cages This study provides genetic parameters for mortality of laying hens estimated with linear and threshold models. Records of one line from a commercial breeding programme of White Leghorns from three generations were available. Data included observations of 8636 hens from single and from 6908 hens of group cages. Mortality was defined as death in the first six months of lay with dead=1 and alive=0. The average mortality was 3.3% in single and 6.3% in group cages. The binary traits were analysed separately by linear animal (LAM), by threshold animal (TAM) and by threshold sire models. Further the two mortalities were analysed together by a linear-linear animal (LLAM) and threshold-threshold animal model (TTAM). The LLAM estimates of heritability were 1.5% for single and 3.2% for group cages. The heritability estimates of TTAM ranged from 9.6% to 9.9%. The rank correlations between breeding values of LAM and TAM were for all sires, the 10% best and the 5% best sires in the range 0.96 to 1.00. The analysis of rank correlations of the linear and threshold models showed: The LLAM provides a good (but only suboptimal) alternative for breeding value estimation of mortality in the investigated laying hen population.

scholarly journals COMPONENTS OF (CO)VARIANCE FOR AGE AT FIRST AND SECOND CALVING OF NELLORE FEMALES RAISED IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Bresolin ◽  
Dionéia Magda Everling ◽  
Camila Urbano Braz ◽  
Fernanda Cristina Breda ◽  
Paulo Roberto Nogara Rorato
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Bayesian Inference ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Gain ◽  
The Other ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values

Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability, genetic correlation and estimated breeding values for age at first (AFC) and second calving (ASC) for Nellore females raised in Southern Brazil. The (co)variance and estimated breeding values were obtained using Bayesian inference in a bivariate analysis, adopting an animal model. The average ages were 49.30 and 69.85 months, and the heritabilities were 0.25 and 0.26, respectively for AFC and ASC. The genetic correlation between AFC and ASC was 0.88. The correlation between the classifications of sires according to their estimated breeding values was 0.93. The heritability estimates for AFC and ASC suggest the possibility of obtaining genetic gain by selection. The correlation between these traits close to one indicates that they are virtually controlled by the same genes, and the selection for one of them will promote correlated advanced gain for the other.

scholarly journals A note on genetic parameters and accuracy of estimated breeding values in honey bees

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evert W. Brascamp ◽  
Piter Bijma
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Variance Components ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Additive Genetic Variance ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Additive Genetic Relationship ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background In honey bees, observations are usually made on colonies. The phenotype of a colony is affected by the average breeding value for the worker effect of the thousands of workers in the colony (the worker group) and by the breeding value for the queen effect of the queen of the colony. Because the worker group consists of multiple individuals, interpretation of the variance components and heritabilities of phenotypes observed on the colony and of the accuracy of selection is not straightforward. The additive genetic variance among worker groups depends on the additive genetic relationship between the drone-producing queens (DPQ) that produce the drones that mate with the queen. Results Here, we clarify how the relatedness between DPQ affects phenotypic variance, heritability and accuracy of the estimated breeding values of replacement queens. Second, we use simulation to investigate the effect of assumptions about the relatedness between DPQ in the base population on estimates of genetic parameters. Relatedness between DPQ in the base generation may differ considerably between populations because of their history. Conclusions Our results show that estimates of (co)variance components and derived genetic parameters were seriously biased (25% too high or too low) when assumptions on the relationship between DPQ in the statistical analysis did not agree with reality.

Genetic analysis of docility score of Australian Angus and Limousin cattle

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. F. Walkom ◽  
M. G. Jeyaruban ◽  
B. Tier ◽  
D. J. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Subjective Score

The temperament of cattle is believed to affect the profitability of the herd through impacting production costs, meat quality, reproduction, maternal behaviour and the welfare of the animals and their handlers. As part of the national beef cattle genetic evaluation in Australia by BREEDPLAN, 50 935 Angus and 50 930 Limousin calves were scored by seedstock producers for temperament using docility score. Docility score is a subjective score of the animal’s response to being restrained and isolated within a crush, at weaning, and is scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 representing the quiet and 5 the extremely nervous or anxious calves. Genetic parameters for docility score were estimated using a threshold animal model with four thresholds (five categories) from a Bayesian analysis carried out using Gibbs sampling in THRGIBBS1F90 with post-Gibbs analysis in POSTGIBBSF90. The heritability of docility score on the observed scale was 0.21 and 0.39 in Angus and Limousin, respectively. Since the release of the docility breeding value to the Australian Limousin population there has been a favourable trend within the national herd towards more docile cattle. Weak but favourable genetic correlations between docility score and the production traits indicates that docility score is largely independent of these traits and that selection to improve temperament can occur without having an adverse effect on growth, fat, muscle and reproduction.

Selection of parents and estimation of genetic parameters using BLUP and molecular methods for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) breeding program in Argentina

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-25
Author(s):  
Carolina Bermejo ◽  
Federico Cazzola ◽  
Fernando Maglia ◽  
Enrique Cointry
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Traits ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Recombinant Inbred Lines ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
High Yields

AbstractThe most important objective of lentil breeding programs is to develop new genotypes that are genetically more productive. Besides, it is necessary that the varieties obtained have short flowering cycles to allow the later sowing of summer crops. Selection is based through phenotypic means; however, we argue it should be based on genetic or breeding values because quantitative traits are often influenced by environments and genotype–environment interactions. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify genotypes with the highest merit; (ii) estimate genetic parameters to know the genetic control of morphological traits in macrosperma and microsperma lentil types using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). Twenty-five recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from six F4 families selected on the basis of precocity and high yields were tested in four environments for important quantitative traits. The analysis of variance showed significant differences between genotypes, environments, and genotype–environment interactions for all the traits. Seven macrosperma- and two microsperma-type RILs were selected. Based on average ranking from breeding values and molecular data obtained with sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), the same genotypes were selected. Genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability across and by environment, and genetic correlation coefficients using BLUP were obtained. According to our results BLUP could replace molecular analysis methods because the selection process was simpler, more cost-effective, and more accurate. The breeding value of parents would give a better ranking of their genetic value than would their phenotypic value; therefore, the selection efficiency would be enhanced and the genetic gain would be more predictable. The selected genotypes could become potential commercial varieties or be used as parental lines in future hybridization programs.

Repeatability and bias of estimated breeding values for dairy bulls and bull dams calculated from animal model evaluations

1993 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Uimari ◽  
E. A. Mäntysaari
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Potential Bias ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Dairy Bulls ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Genetic Standard Deviation

AbstractAn animal model and an approximative method for calculating repeatabilities of estimated breeding values are used in Finnish dairy cow evaluation. Changes in estimated breeding values over time as daughters accumulate were studied. Special emphasis was given to the accuracy and potential bias in the pedigree indices of young sires. The data set used was the same as in the national evaluation and the traits investigated were protein yield and somatic cell count. The average repeatability in evaluation of bulls without daughters was 0·37. The empirical repeatability defined as a squared correlation between the pedigree index and the final sire proof was only 0·15. The reduction in the repeatability was attributed to the selection on pedigree index. The upward bias observed in pedigree indices was 5 kg (approx. 0·3 of genetic standard deviation). The bias was caused by the overestimation of bull dams' breeding value. Also the proofs of bull sires increased after the second crop of daughters. The correlation between the evaluations of the same sire calculated from two separate equal size daughter groups was 0·91 when the bull had 10 to 50 daughters and 0·87 with over 100 daughters. This illustrates how the relative weight of the pedigree decreases while more progeny information is accumulated in the evaluation.

scholarly journals Analysis of non-genetic and genetic influences underlying the growth of Kajli lambs

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-625
Author(s):  
A. Ali ◽  
K. Javed ◽  
I. Zahoor ◽  
K.M. Anjum
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Season Of Birth ◽  
Genetic Trend ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Birth Type

Data on 2931 Kajli lambs, born from 2007 to 2018, were used to quantify environmental and genetic effects on growth performance of Kajli sheep. Traits considered for evaluation were birth weight (BWT), 120-day adjusted weight (120DWT), 180-day adjusted weight (180DWT), 270-day adjusted weight (270DWT), and 365-day adjusted weight (365DWT). Fixed effects of year of birth, season of birth, sex, birth type, and dam age on these traits were evaluated using linear procedures of SAS, 9.1. Similarly, BWT, 120DWT, 180DWT, and 270DWT were used as fixed effects mixed model analyses. Variance components, heritability and breeding values were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. The genetic trend for each trait was obtained by regression of the estimated breeding values (EBV) on year of birth. Analyses revealed substantial influence of birth year on all traits. Sex and birth type were the significant sources of variation for BWT and 120DWT. Season of birth did not influence birth weight meaningfully, but had a significant role in the expression of 120DWT, 180DWT, and 270DWT. Heritability estimates were generally low (0.003 ± 0.018 to 0.099 ± 0.067) for all traits. With the exception of the genetic correlation of 180DWT and 365DWT, the genetic correlations between trait were strong and positive. Only 365DWT had a positive genetic trend. Although the heritability estimates for almost all weight traits were low, high and positive genetic correlations between BWT and other weight traits suggest that selection based on BWT would result in the improvement of other weight traits as a correlated response.Keywords: bodyweight, breeding value, genetic correlation, sheep

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