scholarly journals Corrigendum to: Consequences of genetic selection for environmental impact traits on economically important traits in dairy cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1966
Author(s):  
Purna Kandel ◽  
Sylvie Vanderick ◽  
Marie-Laure Vanrobays ◽  
Hélène Soyeurt ◽  
Nicolas Gengler
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Natural Logarithm

Methane (CH4) emission is an important environmental trait in dairy cows. Breeding aiming to mitigate CH4 emissions require the estimation of genetic correlations with other economically important traits and the prediction of their selection response. In this study, test-day CH4 emissions were predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra of Holstein cows. Predicted CH4 emissions (PME) and log-transformed CH4 intensity (LMI) computed as the natural logarithm of PME divided by milk yield (MY). Genetic correlations of PME and LMI with traits used currently were approximated from correlations between estimated breeding values of sires. Values were for PME with MY 0.06, fat yield (FY) 0.09, protein yield (PY) 0.13, fertility 0.17; body condition score (BCS) –0.02; udder health (UDH) 0.22; and longevity 0.22. As expected by its definition, values were negative for LMI with production traits (MY –0.61; FY –0.15 and PY –0.40) and positive with fertility (0.36); BCS (0.20); UDH (0.08) and longevity (0.06). The genetic correlations of 33 type traits with PME ranged from –0.12 to 0.25 and for LMI ranged from –0.22 to 0.18. Without selecting PME and LMI (status quo) the relative genetic change through correlated responses of other traits were in PME by 2% and in LMI by –15%, but only due to the correlated response to MY. Results showed for PME that direct selection of this environmental trait would reduce milk carbon foot print but would also affect negatively fertility. Therefore, more profound changes in current indexes will be required than simply adding environmental traits as these traits also affect the expected progress of other traits.

scholarly journals Consequences of genetic selection for environmental impact traits on economically important traits in dairy cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1779
Author(s):  
Purna Kandel ◽  
Sylvie Vanderick ◽  
Marie-Laure Vanrobays ◽  
Hélène Soyeurt ◽  
Nicolas Gengler
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Ch4 Emissions ◽  
Natural Logarithm

Methane (CH4) emission is an important environmental trait in dairy cows. Breeding aiming to mitigate CH4 emissions require the estimation of genetic correlations with other economically important traits and the prediction of their selection response. In this study, test-day CH4 emissions were predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra of Holstein cows. Predicted CH4 emissions (PME) and log-transformed CH4 intensity (LMI) computed as the natural logarithm of PME divided by milk yield (MY). Genetic correlations of PME and LMI with traits used currently were approximated from correlations between estimated breeding values of sires. Values were for PME with MY 0.06, fat yield (FY) 0.09, protein yield (PY) 0.13, fertility 0.17; body condition score (BCS) –0.02; udder health (UDH) 0.22; and longevity 0.22. As expected by its definition, values were negative for LMI with production traits (MY –0.61; FY –0.15 and PY –0.40) and positive with fertility (0.36); BCS (0.20); UDH (0.08) and longevity (0.06). The genetic correlations of 33 type traits with PME ranged from –0.12 to 0.25 and for LMI ranged from –0.22 to 0.18. Without selecting PME and LMI (status quo) the relative genetic change through correlated responses of other traits were in PME by 2% and in LMI by –15%, but only due to the correlated response to MY. Results showed for PME that direct selection of this environmental trait would reduce milk carbon foot print but would also affect negatively fertility. Therefore, more profound changes in current indexes will be required than simply adding environmental traits as these traits also affect the expected progress of other traits.

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.

Heritability and genetic correlations between rumination time and production traits in Holstein dairy cows during different lactation phases

2018 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Moretti ◽  
Marcos Paulo Gonçalves de Rezende ◽  
Stefano Biffani ◽  
Riccardo Bozzi
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

scholarly journals High heritabilities for antibiotic usage show potential to breed for disease resistance in finishing pigs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim Gorssen ◽  
Dominiek Maes ◽  
Roel Meyermans ◽  
Jurgen 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 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 Pietrain 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 Genetics of heifer puberty in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia and associations with heifer- and steer-production traits

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 399 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
S. A. Barwick ◽  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
G. Fordyce ◽  
R. G. Holroyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Age At Puberty

A total of 2115 heifers from two tropical genotypes (1007 Brahman and 1108 Tropical Composite) raised in four locations in northern Australia were ovarian-scanned every 4–6 weeks to determine the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (CL) and this was used to define the age at puberty for each heifer. Other traits recorded at each time of ovarian scanning were liveweight, fat depths and body condition score. Reproductive tract size was measured close to the start of the first joining period. Results showed significant effects of location and birth month on the age at first CL and associated puberty traits. Genotypes did not differ significantly for the age or weight at first CL; however, Brahman were fatter at first CL and had a small reproductive tract size compared with that of Tropical Composite. Genetic analyses estimated the age at first CL to be moderately to highly heritable for Brahman (0.57) and Tropical Composite (0.52). The associated traits were also moderately heritable, except for reproductive tract size in Brahmans (0.03) and for Tropical Composite, the presence of an observed CL on the scanning day closest to the start of joining (0.07). Genetic correlations among puberty traits were mostly moderate to high and generally larger in magnitude for Brahman than for Tropical Composite. Genetic correlations between the age at CL and heifer- and steer-production traits showed important genotype differences. For Tropical Composite, the age at CL was negatively correlated with the heifer growth rate in their first postweaning wet season (–0.40) and carcass marbling score (–0.49), but was positively correlated with carcass P8 fat depth (0.43). For Brahman, the age at CL was moderately negatively genetically correlated with heifer measures of bodyweight, fatness, body condition score and IGF-I, in both their first postweaning wet and second dry seasons, but was positively correlated with the dry-season growth rate. For Brahman, genetic correlations between the age at CL and steer traits showed possible antagonisms with feedlot residual feed intake (–0.60) and meat colour (0.73). Selection can be used to change the heifer age at puberty in both genotypes, with few major antagonisms with steer- and heifer-production traits.

Genetic associations between mature size and condition score of Nelore cows, and weight, subjective scores and carcass traits as yearlings

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviane V. de Lacerda ◽  
Gabriel S. Campos ◽  
Daniel D. Silveira ◽  
Vanerlei M. Roso ◽  
Mario L. Santana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Mature Size

The size and body condition of female livestock is critical for improving production efficiency. However, we know little about how height and body condition score in mature beef cattle are genetically related to traits observed when the animals are younger. In the present study, we used data from 321650 Nelore cattle, first, to compare genetic parameters and breeding values on the basis of different models employing weight (MW), height (MH) and body condition score (BCS) of mature cows (3–17 years old). Next, we estimated the genetic correlations between the three traits and assorted yearling traits (YW, weight; YC; conformation score; YP, precocity score; YM, muscling score; YN, navel score; LMA, longissimus muscle area; BF, back fat thickness). Finally, we obtained the expected direct responses to selection for MW, MH and BCS of cows and correlated responses for these traits when the selection was applied to yearling traits. For MW and MH, single-trait Bayesian analyses were used to evaluate the effects of including BCS when defining contemporary groups (BCS included, CG1; BCS not included, CG2). For BCS trait, linear and threshold animal models were compared. After, bi-trait analyses that included MW, MH or BCS with yearling traits were performed. The CG1 scenario resulted in a higher heritability for MW (0.45 ± 0.02) than did CG2 (0.39 ± 0.02). Both scenarios yielded the same heritability estimates for MH (0.35 ± 0.02). Sires’ rank correlations between predicted breeding values under CG1 and CG2 were 0.60–0.92 for MW and 0.90–0.98 for MH, considering different selection intensities. Thus, only for MW genetic evaluations, the incorporation of BCS in the definition of the contemporary groups is indicated. For BCS trait, the same sires were selected regardless of the model (linear or threshold). Genetic correlations between MW and five yearling traits (YW, YC, YP, YM and YN) ranged from 0.18 ± 0.03 to 0.84 ± 0.01. The MH had a higher and positive genetic association with YW (0.64 ± 0.02) and YC (0.54 ± 0.03), than with YN (0.18 ± 0.03). However, MH was negatively and lowly genetically correlated with YP (–0.08 ± 0.03) and YM (–0.14 ± 0.03). The BCS had positive genetic associations with all yearling traits, particularly with YP (0.61 ± 0.06) and YM (0.60 ± 0.07). Mature size and carcass traits exhibited a low to moderate negative genetic correlations. However, BCS had positive genetic associations with LMA (0.38 ± 0.12) and BF (0.32 ± 0.14). Despite a shorter generation interval, selection at the yearling stage will result in a slower genetic progress per generation than does direct selection for cow MW, MH or BCS. Moreover, using YW and YC as selection criteria will increase cattle size at maturity without altering BCS. Last, LMA or BF-based selection will reduce mature size, while improving BCS, as a correlated response.

scholarly journals Heritability, Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations, and Predicted Selection Response of Quantitative Traits in Peach: I. An Analysis of Several Reproductive Traits

1998 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valdomiro A.B. de Souza ◽  
David H. Byrne ◽  
Jeremy F. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Prunus Persica ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Multiple Trait ◽  
Narrow Sense Heritability ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Flower Density

Seedlings of 108 families from crosses among 42 peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] cultivars and selections were evaluated for six plant characteristics in 1993, 1994, and 1995. The data were analyzed by using a mixed linear model, with years treated as fixed and additive genotypes as random factors. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was used to estimate fixed effects. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was used to estimate variance components, and a multiple trait model was used to estimate genetic and phenotypic covariances among traits. The narrow-sense heritability estimates were 0.41, 0.29, 0.48, 0.47, 0.43, and 0.23 for flower density, flowers per node, node density, fruit density, fruit set, and blind node propensity, respectively. Most genetic correlations among pairs of traits were ≥0.30 and were, in general, much higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Flower density and flowers per node (ra = 0.95), fruit density and fruit set (ra = 0.84) and flower density and fruit density (ra = 0.71) were the combinations of traits that had the highest genetic correlation estimates. Direct selection practiced solely for flower density (either direction) is expected to have a greater effect on fruit density than direct selection for fruit density.

Relationships between luteal activity, fertility, blood metabolites and body condition score in multiparous Estonian Holstein dairy cows under different management

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaak Samarütel ◽  
Andres Waldmann ◽  
Katri Ling ◽  
Hanno Jaakson ◽  
Tanel Kaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
On Farm

The objective was to compare the relationships between luteal activity and fertility, and relate these parameters to metabolic indices and body condition changes in multiparous Estonian Holstein cows on two commercial dairy farms under different management and levels of production and nutrition (higher, H, n=54 (71 lactations) and lower, L, n=39 (39 lactations)). For statistical analysis cows were categorized according to their milk progesterone (P4) profiles as follows: normal ovarian function; delayed start of cyclicity (DC) (interval from calving to first luteal response (P4⩾5 ng/ml up to and more than 50 d respectively, followed by regular cyclicity); cessation of luteal activity (prolonged interluteal interval, P4<5 ng/ml, with a duration of ⩾14 d between two adjacent luteal phases); prolonged luteal activity (P4 levels ⩾5 ng/ml for ⩾20 d without preceding insemination). The Mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to compare milk production traits, blood metabolites (ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol) and aspartate aminotransferase, body condition scores (BCS) and fertility parameters between the two farms, and also fertility parameters between the farms within P4 categories. Differences in milk fat/protein ratio, ketone body levels and BCS indicated a deeper negative energy balance (NEB) during the first month after calving on farm L. On both farms nearly 50% of the recently calved dairy cows suffered from ovarian dysfunction during the post-partum period. Delayed start of cyclicity was the most prevalent abnormal P4 profile, 25% and 28% on farms H and L, respectively. Prolonged luteal activity accounted for one-third of atypical ovarian patterns on farm H, and cessation of luteal activity on farm L. On farm L, DC cows had lower BCS values from day 10 to day 90 after calving compared with normal cows (P<0·01) and cows lost more BCS (1·2 units) during the 40 d after calving than normal resumption cows (0·75 units; P<0·05). On farm H with moderate NEB the delayed start of ovulation post partum did not impair subsequent reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Direct Selection Response to Growth and Correlated Response to Lactation Traits in Black Bengal Goats

2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 899-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Amin ◽  
S. S. Husain ◽  
A. B. M. M. Islam ◽  
M. Saadullah
Keyword(s):  
Selection Response ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Correlated Response

Selection response in fecal worm egg counts in the Rylington Merino parasite resistant flock

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 809 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. E. Karlsson ◽  
J. C. Greeff
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Selection Line ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Parasite Resistance ◽  
Component Trait ◽  
Parasite Challenge

The Rylington Merino internal parasite resistant selection line was initiated in 1987 from a wide genetic base of 100 ewe flocks. Selection for parasite resistance was based on selecting animals with a low worm egg count in a natural parasite challenge environment. The realised annual genetic gain for estimated breeding value of worm egg count is 2.7%. The genetic gain in parasite resistance has been achieved without any adverse genetic correlations with the other economically important production traits. There is an unfavourable genetic correlation between worm egg count and scouring traits. The recommendation to industry is to select for both low worm egg count and reduced diarrhoea and combine these traits with other economically important production traits. The relative weighting applied to each component trait will vary according to the local parasite challenge situation and the time frame available to achieve sustainable parasite control.

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