21 GENETIC APPROACH TO IMPROVE FERTILITY IN CATTLE

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
F. A. Di Croce ◽  
A. M. Saxton ◽  
D. Casanova ◽  
F. N. Schrick
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Fertility Traits ◽  
Holstein Population

In spite of the economic importance of fertility and increased knowledge of reproductive biology in the cow, efficiency of reproductive performance has continued to decline in dairy cattle. Improvements in fertility through genetic selection may be a possible approach to increase reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. Although progress may be slow because of low heritabilities, ignoring fertility in genetic improvement programs has contributed to the current fertility problems. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for fertility traits based on data from milk recording programs on a Holstein population and (2) develop a multi-trait selection index (dollar fertility value; $F) based on estimated breeding values. Data representing 3,282,843 lactations and 1,622,088 animals (cows and bulls from 1936 to 2007) were used for the analysis and obtained from official records maintained by the Argentinean Holstein Association (ACHA). Data were collected from official milk records, and lactations were standardized to 305 DIM for milk, protein, and fat. Gestation period was considered to be 282 days and restrictions were applied to ensure the quality of data (days open <40 and >350 days; calving interval <300 and >600 days; and contemporary groups with <25 lactations were eliminated). Days open (DO), calving interval (CI), age to first calving (AFC), and daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) were traits chosen for genetic parameter estimation. Daughter pregnancy rate was calculated from DO as PR = 0.25 × (233 DO); Kuhn et al. 2004 J. Dairy Sci. 87, 2277-2284. Animal models by lactation for each fertility trait included contemporary group (dairy herd and calving year), calving month, animal effect, milk production as a covariate and error term. Multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) was used to estimate covariance components (Boldman et al. 1995 ARS, USDA). Solutions for fixed effects, breeding values, and sampling variances (accuracies) were obtained for each trait. The proposed selection index ($F) included AFC and CI, with economic weights from -0.28 and -4.9 $/year per cow for AFC and CI, respectively (Gonzalez-Recio et al. 2004 J. Dairy Sci. 87, 3053-3061). Heritabilities for DO and DPR ranged from 2 to 7%; CI ranged from 3 to 8%; and AFC was 16%. Predicted transmitting ability values across different lactations ranged from -18.5 to 15.8 days, -23.15 to 16.0 days, -4.0 to 4.6%, and -120.3 to 76.2 days for DO, CI, DPR, and AFC, respectively. Values for $F ranged from -$89.16 to $147.12 in this Holstein population. Results indicate substantial variation in fertility traits, suggesting that genetic selection may be effective in improving declines in fertility. Asociacion Criadores Holando Argentino (ACHA).

9 EVALUATION OF FERTILITY TRAITS OF HOLSTEIN CATTLE IN ARGENTINA

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Di Croce ◽  
A. M. Saxton ◽  
D. Casanova ◽  
F. N. Schrick
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Genetic Trend ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Fertility Traits

Impaired fertility is the primary reason for culling in the United States (26.5% of all disposals) and fertility rates have steadily declined during the past 30 years. The objectives of this study were 1) estimate genetic parameters and evaluate genetic correlations for fertility traits based on data from milk recording programs, and 2) evaluate genetic fertility trends in Holstein cattle in Argentina. Data representing 3 282 843 lactations and 1 622 088 animals (cows and bulls from 1936 to 2007) were used for the analysis and obtained from official records maintained by the Argentinean Holstein Association (ACHA). Lactations were standardized to 305 DIM for milk, protein, and fat. Days open (DO), calving interval (CI), age to first calving (AFC), and daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) were selected for genetic parameter estimation. Daughter pregnancy rate was calculated as described by (Kuhn et al. 2004 J. Dairy Sci. 87, 2277–2284). Animal models by lactation for each fertility trait included contemporary group (dairy herd and calving year), calving month, animal effect, milk production as a covariate, and error term. Multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) was used to estimate covariance components. Solutions for fixed effects, breeding values, and sampling variances (accuracies) were obtained for each trait. The fertility index ($F = –0.28 × AFC ± 4.9 × CI) was calculated using the economic rates as reported by (Gonzalez-Recio et al. 2004 J. Dairy Sci. 87, 3053–3061). First lactation/parities were utilised for estimating correlations among BLUPs for DO, CI, DPR, AFC, and $F. In general, moderate and high genetic correlations were observed (from 0.238 to 0.999; P < 0.001). Days open and calving interval showed high negative associations with DPR (–0.999, –0.648) and $F (–0.612, Q0.981). Results from the correlation analysis suggest that CI and $F are qualified indicators of fertility in lactating dairy Holstein and relate well with all the other traits. The index, $F, benefits by including AFC as a measure of initial reproductive efficiency followed by the inclusion of CI which measures success of inseminations. Genetic trend for AFC showed a decrease of 2.76 days per year between 1970 and 2000 for sires. Similarly, trends for CI resulted in decreases of 0.45 days per year between 1970 and 2000 for sires. During the same period, DPR increased by 0.02 percent per year in sires. Using current dollars values, $F increased 2.99 dollars per year for sires. Results indicate progress in the genetic trend for fertility traits in the Holstein population of Argentina, with higher improvement in sires compared with dams. Trends visually showed faster improvement after 1980, possibly due to extensive importation of US and Canadian bulls and semen (72% of bulls born after 1986) and selection for productive life introduced in 1993. Supported by Asociacion Criadores de Holando Argentino (ACHA).

Multi-trait selection index and cluster analyses in Angus cattle

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
G. M. Fernandes ◽  
R. P. Savegnago ◽  
L. A. Freitas ◽  
L. El Faro ◽  
V. M. Roso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Cluster Analyses ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Economic Selection

Abstract In breeding programmes, the genetic selection process is based on the prediction of animal breeding values, and its results may vary according to the employed selection method. The current study developed an economic selection index for animals of the Angus breed; performed cluster analyses using the breeding values in order to evaluate the genetic profile of the animals candidates to selection, and compared the obtained results between the economic selection index and the cluster analyses. The evaluated traits included weaning weight, 18-month weight, scrotal circumference, fat thickness and ribeye area. Economic values were obtained using bioeconomic modelling, simulating a complete cycle production system of beef cattle breeds in Brazil, and the selection objective were the weaning rate and slaughter weight. The chosen selection index was composed of all of the traits used as selection criteria for the simulated production system. During the cluster analyses, the population was divided into two to four groups, in which the groupings containing potential animals were assessed. The animals of the grouping which was used for comparison with the selection index were identified, and most of the bulls that were included in the index were among the best in the analysed group. These results suggest that the cluster analyses can be used as a tool for the selection of animals to be used as parents for future generations.

scholarly journals Associations between SNPs in the bovine GnRH receptor gene and breeding values for fertility traits in dairy cattle

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
K Derecka ◽  
S Ahmad ◽  
TC Hodgman ◽  
N Hastings ◽  
MD Royal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Gnrh Receptor ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Fertility Traits

Linear and threshold model genetic parameters for disease, fertility and milk production in dairy cattle

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
H. N. Kadarmideen ◽  
R. Thompson ◽  
G. Simm
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Threshold Model ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Fertility Traits

A combination of better management and genetic selection for good health and fertility would provide a more effective long term solution for economic loss due to diseases and poor fertility. This would also help to address public concerns about the use of medical treatment in milk production. A balance in the genetic improvement of health and fertility together with milk production could be achieved through their inclusion in national genetic selection indices, for which genetic parameters are needed. One of the main objectives of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for various disease and fertility traits in the UK dairy cattle population, using records from a national recording scheme run by Livestock Services UK Ltd. Genetic analysis of traits recorded as present or absent (binary traits; e.g. diseases) requires the use of non-linear threshold models, because linear models require normality assumptions (e.g., Gianola 1982). The other objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for binary disease and fertility traits based on threshold animal models and to compare results with those from linear animal models.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Days Open, Gestation Length, and Calving Interval in Florida Dairy Cattle

1992 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 288-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.M. Silva ◽  
C.J. Wilcox ◽  
W.W. Thatcher ◽  
R.B. Becker ◽  
D. Morse
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Days Open

scholarly journals Association of Thermotolerance with Milk Production, Feed Saver, Fertility and Fat Percentage Breeding Values in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Osei-Amponsah ◽  
Frank ◽  
Brian ◽  
Cheng ◽  
Cullen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Heat Tolerance ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Hair Samples

In Australia, heat waves are becoming hotter and longer, and more frequent, compromising dairy cattle welfare and productivity. Selection for heat tolerance (HT) may help to ensure sustainability of production under hot summer conditions. In a study at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Robotic Dairy Farm, we identified the 20 most heat-sensitive and 20 most heat-tolerant cows in a herd of 150 Holstein Friesian lactating cows based on phenotypic responses (increase in body temperature, panting score, and decline in milk production) of dairy cows grazing pasture and given concentrate at milking during hot summer conditions for 3 months. Hair samples were collected from the tip of the tail according to a standard protocol for genotyping (Zoetis). Results based on 36 successfully genotyped cows indicated a significant variation in feed saved (FS) genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) across age indicating a potential for its selection. The thermotolerant group had relatively higher GEBV for FS and fat% but lower milk production potential. Highly significant (P≤ 0.05) negative correlations (-0.39 to -0.69) were observed between heat tolerance and current dairy industry economic indices (Balanced Performance Index (BPI), Type Weighted Index (TWI), Australian Selection Index (ASI) and milk production), while positive correlations exist between HT and feed saved (0.44) and fertility (0.27). These findings indicate a positive association between HT and feed saved, fertility, and fat percent breeding values. However, a more extensive study including large number of lactating cows is required to confirm these genomic associations and incorporating in future breeding objectives.

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN ANTARA UMUR DENGAN CALVING INTERVAL, DAYS OPEN, DAN SERVICE PER CONSEPTION SAPIFRIESIAN HOLSTEIN (FH)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Hanifah Muslimah Ananda ◽  
Wurlina Wurlina ◽  
Nove Hidajati ◽  
Mas’ud Hariadi ◽  
Abdul Samik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Days Open ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this research was to know the relationship between age with calving inteval (CI), days open (DO), and service per conception (S/C) in Friesian Holstein dairy cattle (FH). The research was started on Desember 2017 to January 2018 in PT. Greenfields Indonesia partnerships, KecamatanWagir Kabupaten Malang. The materials of the search used were 100 heads of dairy cattle which had at least two times of parturition. The method used in this research was a survey and data collection. The data were obtained from the records of reproduction. Data analysis was multiple linear regression using SPSS software 21.0 version. The results showed that the values of CI (434,9±58,9 days, 449,4±66,2 days, and 431,8±59,2 days), DO (218,9±58,7 days, 218,9±58,7 days, dan 217,6±54,1 days), dan S/C (3,2±1,8 times, 4,3±1,9 times, 2,6±1,1 times) for the ages of 4, 5, 6. The relationship between age with CI and DO were not significant (P>0,05), but the relationship between age with S/C was significant (P<0,05). The value of S/C increased on dairy cattle at age of 4 to 5 years and started to decreased at the age of 6 years.

Effect of relationship between mastitis and somatic cell count on genetic selection for mastitis resistance in dairy cattle

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 113-113
Author(s):  
H. N. Kadarmideen ◽  
J.E. Pryce
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Bulk Tank ◽  
Genetic Regression ◽  
The Impact

Differences in banding scales for milk quality penalties, as determined by bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC), prevent the use of a single economic value for SCC in an overall economic-genetic selection index (Veerkamp et al., 1998) such as, Profitable Lifetime Index or £PLI. But SCC could be used as a predictor of mastitis as genetic correlation estimates between mastitis and SCC are medium to high (review of Mrode and Swanson, 1996). This suggests that, although deriving a direct single economic value (EV) for SCC based on bulk tank SCC is difficult, a single financial value could still be assigned to SCC based on its relationship with mastitis. Here we use a genetic regression method to calculate the EV of SCC (EVSCC) as a predictor of mastitis. However, the dependency of regression coefficients on mastitis incidence (p) could make such EVSCC variable. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of such relationship on EVSCC and genetic selection in dairy cattle using predicted transmitting abilities of SCC (PTASCC).

scholarly journals 179 Breeding for enhancing feed efficiency in dairy cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 183-184
Author(s):  
Flavio Schenkel ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
Hinayah Oliveira ◽  
Tatiane Chud ◽  
David Seymour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Selection For

Abstract Genetically selecting for improved feed efficiency has been recognized by the dairy cattle industry as an important economic and environmental goal. Improved feed efficiency has the potential to significantly reduce costs, improving dairy farmers’ profitability and, at the same time, minimize environmental impact, for example by reducing nutrient loss in manure and methane emissions. Feed efficiency is recognized as a complex trait that may be define in different ways, but it generally describes units of product output per unit of feed required. An overview of genetic selection for improved feed efficiency and international initiatives to implement genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle is presented. In general, studies have indicated that feed efficiency, defined and assessed in alternative ways, is moderately heritable and genetic selection could be successfully implemented. Various initiatives around the world have worked collaboratively to carried out research and create reference datasets for joint genomic evaluations. An example is the large international Efficient Dairy Genome Project (EDGP) led by Canada. The EDGP database was developed in 2017 to allow data sharing among the international collaborators. Currently, the database contains genotypes and records on feed intake of 5,289 cows and on methane emissions of 1,337 cows from eight research herds in six countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States). Genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlations) were estimated for dry matter intake, metabolic body weight and energy corrected milk at two time-periods: a) 5–60 DIM and b) 60–150 DIM. These parameters provide a basis for development of breeding value estimation procedures and subsequent selection index for feed efficiency, which will incorporate genomic information.

scholarly journals REPRODUKSI SAPI PERAH FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN PADA BERBAGAI PERIODE LAKTASI

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Ali Mahmud ◽  
Woro Busono ◽  
Puguh Surjowardojo
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Earned Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
C Value ◽  
Days Open

The purpose of this research is to compare the efficiency of reproductive performance Friesian Holstein (FH) in various lactation periods. The material used in this research is obtained from the records of reproductive performance Friesian Holstein (FH) cattle from Australia and has been developed in PT. Greenfield Indonesia farm. Datas were using 473 heads dairy cattle these were 100 heads for each lactation period I up to IV and 73 heads for lactation period V. The variable measured were efficiency of reproductive include service per conception (S/C); days open (DO) and calving interval (CI). The datas were analyzed using Completely Randomize Design one-way analyzes of variance (one way lay out) and if the result showed differences, the research will be continued using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results showed that the higher lactation period of dairy cattle the greater the S/C, DO and CI (P<0.01). In lactation period I and II earned S/C value 2.6±1.3 and 2.1±1.1 were lower than lactation period III, IV and V which earned value 3.7±2.0; 4.2±2.1 and 4.1±2.3. DO in lactation I and II as118.3±49.7 days and 97.6±35.1 days were lower than lactation period III, IV, and V is 153.5±65.8 days;  168.2±81.5 days and 59.2±74.7 days. The lower CI was in period lactation II 365.8±36.9 days compared with lactation period III, IV  and V as 393.8±54.5 days; 406.1±78.3 days and 401.3±65.1 days. Conclusion of this research was lactation period has an effect on the performance of FH dairy reproduction, the higher of lactation period would increase S/C, DO and CI. Keywords : Calving Interval, Days Open, Friesian Holstein Cattle, Lactation Period, Service Per Conception.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document