RELATIONSHIPS OF REPRODUCTION TRAITS, BODY WEIGHT AND MILK YIELD IN DAIRY CATTLE

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. BATRA ◽  
A. J. LEE ◽  
A. J. McALLISTER
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
National Cooperative

The relationships between reproduction traits, body weight and milk yield were investigated using data from 1611 heifers and 733 cows from two lines of the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project. The data were analyzed separately for heifers and cows within lines using a mixed linear model containing fixed effects for station, year of birth, season of birth and random effect of sires. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations were estimated by a paternal half-sib analysis. Heritability estimates for heifer and cow reproduction traits ranged between 0 and 26% while those of body weights at calving and 112 d postpartum and milk yield ranged from 24 to 43%. Heifers with difficult calving had a higher incidence of retained placenta than those with normal calving. Phenotypic correlations between heifer reproduction traits and milk yield during first lactation were small. High milk production in cows was associated with longer calving interval. Phenotypic correlations between heifer's and cow's reproduction traits were small. Difficult calving in heifers impairs reproductive performance after calving resulting in greater number of days from calving to first and last breeding and leading to a longer calving interval. Key words: Reproduction traits, heifers, cows, milk yield, dairy cattle

Correlations between food intake in young bulls and production, fertility and health disorders in lactating dairy cattle

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
R. Wassmuth ◽  
D. Boelling ◽  
J. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Heritability Estimates

AbstractDisease incidence in dairy cattle is to be reduced for animal welfare and economical reasons. This should be achieved not only by improvement of management but preferably also by genetic means. This study looks at the possibility of decreasing disease incidence in first lactation cows by increasing food intake. The latter is not measured on the cows directly but on young bulls during their performance test. Data consisted of 2203 Danish Red, 4527 Danish Black and White and 1022 Danish Jersey potential AI-bulls and 56 494 Danish Red, 264107 Danish Black and White and 57 661 Danish Jersey first lactation cows. Measures of food intake were provided by two Danish performance test stations. Information on incidence of mastitis, retained placenta, metritis, sole ulcer and ketosis as well as calving interval and energy corrected milk yield of first lactation cows was based on data extracted from the national data base in Denmark. Genetic (co)variances were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood. Heritability estimates of disease incidence and calving interval were low, ranging from <0.01 to 0.13 depending on breed. Heritability estimates of energy corrected milk yield were in the range of 0.28 to 0.33. In all breeds, an unfavourable genetic relationship between milk yield and disease incidence was found, while genetic correlations between food intake and ketosis were favourable, ranging between -0.03 and -0.25. Fertility disorders had an inconsistent correlation with food intake traits across breeds. Food intake of bulls could be included in the selection process in order to avoid nutrition-related disorders like ketosis.

RELATIONSHIPS AMONG UDDER MEASUREMENTS, MILKING SPEED, MILK YIELD AND CMT SCORES IN YOUNG DAIRY COWS

1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. BATRA ◽  
A. J. McALLISTER
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Cattle Breeding ◽  
California Mastitis Test ◽  
Dairy Cattle Breeding ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
National Cooperative

Heritabilities, phenotypic and genetic correlations among udder measurements (front teat length, front teat diameter, rear teat length, rear teat diameter, teat distance, udder height), milking speed, and milk yield were estimated for a Holstein line (H) and an Ayrshire-based line (A). Data from 1159 first lactation heifers in the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project were used. A subset of these data from 385 cows measured for the above traits plus California Mastitis Test (CMT) Score were analyzed to estimate relationships among udder measurements, milking speed, milk yield, and CMT score. Front teats were on the average 0.7 cm longer than rear teats. Heritability estimates of udder measurements, milking speed, and milk yield were moderate and ranged from 24% to 57% for the H line, 22% to 61% for the A line and 16% to 51% for the subset of data, except for teat distance in the H line which had a heritability of 5%. Heritability of CMT score was zero. Udders that were closer to the ground tended to have longer and wider teats. High-producing cows milked faster, had lower CMT score, and had udders closer to the ground than low producing cows. Genetic correlations of udder measurements with milking speed and milk yield were small and nonsignificant except for front teat diameter and teat distance which were negatively correlated with milk yield in H line heifers. Key words: Udder measurements, milking speed, milk yield, CMT score, dairy cattle

scholarly journals 228 ASAS-EAAP Exchange Speaker Talk: Big data and the development of resilience indicators for animal breeding

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 56-56
Author(s):  
Han A Mulder ◽  
Marieke Poppe ◽  
Tom V L Berghof
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Heritable Variation ◽  
Resilience Indicators

Abstract In their lifetime, animals experience various environmental perturbations, such as heat stress, a disease or a change in feed, which require a response. Animals differ in their capacity to respond to various perturbations; this is called resilience, which is the capacity of animals to be minimally affected by perturbations or to rapidly return to the state before exposure to perturbations. The main obstacle in research on genetics of resilience is how to define and quantify resilience. Big data offers great opportunities because longitudinal profiles of animals, such as feed intake, body weight, milk yield or egg production, contain information about how animals respond to perturbations. The objectives of our research were to define resilience indicators and estimate heritable variation in resilience indicators and to estimate associations with existing health and longevity traits to assess the utility of resilience indicators to improve resilience by breeding. The resilience indicators studied were log-transformed variance of deviations (LnVar), lag-1 autocorrelation (Auto) of deviations and skewness of deviations (Skew) based on daily milk yield in dairy cattle and four-weekly body weight measures in laying hens. In dairy cattle, we estimated a heritability of 0.20–0.24 for LnVar, a heritability of 0.08–0.10 for Auto, and a heritability of 0.01 for Skew. The strongest genetic correlations between a resilience indicator and existing health and longevity traits were found for LnVar with udder health (-0.22 to -0.33), ketosis (-0.27 to -0.33) and longevity (-0.29 to -0.34). In laying hens, we estimated similar heritabilities for the three resilience indicators: 0.10 for LnVar, 0.11 for Auto, and 0.09 for Skew. We found predictive value of LnVar breeding values for lesion scores after challenge with an E-coli infection. These results show that especially the variance of deviations is a promising resilience indicator to improve resilience and health in animals by genetic selection.

Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits in a coarse-wool breed of sheep

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Guirgis ◽  
E. A. Afifi ◽  
E. S. E. Galal
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Staple Length

SUMMARYA study using 1150 lambs to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits was carried out on coarse-wool Barki sheep. The weight traits were birth, weaning, yearling weights and daily gains whereas fleece traits included kemp score, staple length and greasy-fleece weight.Heritability estimates of weight traits were within the range 0·25–0·30. Those of fleece traits were 0·16, 0·21 and 0·43. The repeatability estimates of fleece traits were 0·18, 0·38 and 0·53 for staple length, greasy-fleece weight and kemp score respectively.Phenotypic correlations between body weight and fleece traits were mostly positive. Genetic correlations between greasy-fleece weight and body weights were mostly positive and of medium values. Those between kemp score and body weights were mostly negative, ranging from medium-high to high.

scholarly journals Genetic parameters of body weight in japanese quails (Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-78
Author(s):  
Angie Poliquit
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Additive Genetic Variance ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Japanese Quails ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The establishment of breeding and selection programs to improve the genetic potential of poultry necessitates estimation of genetic parameters for different production and reproduction traits, Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) software was used to estimate the heritability (h2) and genetic correlations (r) of body weights in Japanese quails (C. japonica) from hatch to fifth week of age. A total of 224 Japanese quails composed of 56 males and 168 females arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) served as the base population. Body weight records, measured weekly from hatch to fifth week, were utilized to estimate the genetic parameters. Heritability estimates were 0.093±0.004, 0244±0.010, 0.031±0.001, 0082±0.004, 0325±0.016 and 0.025±0.001 for body weights at hatch (BW0), first week (BW1), second week (BW2), third week (BW3), fourth week (BW4) and fifth week (BW5), respectively. Low heritability estimates depict a decrease in additive genetic variance as the generations progressed. Negative genetic correlation was found between BW0 and BW4 (r=- 0.027). The significant positive genetic correlations of BW0 with BW1 (r=0.271); BW1 with BW2 (r=0.270), BW3 (r=0.294), BW4 (r=0.255), and BW5 (r=0.243); BW2 with BW3 (r=0.561), BW4 (r=0.649), and BW5 (r=0.503); BW3 with BW4 (r=0.726), and BW5 (r=0.551); and BW4 with BW5 (r=0.689) are expected to bring correlated responses in the other traits.

Genetic studies on growth, reproduction and wool productiontraits in Harnali sheep

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
SPACE Lalit ◽  
Z. S. Malik ◽  
D. S. Dalal ◽  
C. S. Patil ◽  
S. P. Dahiya
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Additive Genetic Variance ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Fleece Weight

Data on growth, reproduction and wool traits of 1603 Harnali sheep maintained at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar over a period of 22 years (1992-2013) were utilized for genetic analysis. The overall least squares mean for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six month body weight (SMW), age at first lambing (AFL), weight at lambing (WL), average lambing interval (ALI), greasy fleece weight (GFW), staple length (SL) and Fibre diameter (FD) were estimated as 3.35±0.02 kg, 12.41±0.08 kg, 16.30±0.12 kg, 707.05±2.07 days, 26.91±0.10 kg and 402.85±2.40 days, 1.62±0.02 kg, 5.65±0.03 cm and 25.85±0.07 μ, respectively. The effect of year of birth, sex of lamb and dam's weight at lambing were significant for all growth traits. The effect of year of birth and dam's weight at lambing were significant for all reproduction traits and GFW. No definite trend was observed over the years for body weights and reproductive traits. The effect of sex was significant for early growth traits. The heritability estimates were moderate for all the growth traits with high genetic correlations of BW and WW with SMW. Reproduction traits had lower estimates of heritability which indicated presence of lower additive genetic variance for these traits. Heritability estimates for studied wool traits were moderate to high. Positive genetic and phenotypic correlation of BW and WW with six month body weight and grease fleece weight indicated that selection for six month body weight would increase body weight and grease fleece weight.

Sahiwal cattle in Pakistan: genetic and environmental causes of variation in body weight and reproduction and their relationship to milk production

1999 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. N. Khan ◽  
A. Dahlin ◽  
A. H. Zafar ◽  
M. Saleem ◽  
M. A. Chaudhry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Expectation Maximization Algorithm ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Genetic Value

AbstractThe influence of genetic and environmental factors on body weight and reproduction and their relationship to milk production traits, were studied in data of about 4700 Sahiwal cows from Pakistan. (Co)variance components were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure based on the expectation maximization algorithm applying an animal model. Mean weights of females were: at birth, 21·6 kg; at 1 year, 130 kg; and at 2 years, 222 kg. Records of age at calving, cow weight post partum and calving interval were studied in the first three parities, with parities considered as different traits. For primiparous cows the average values of these traits were: 44·1 months, 319 kg and 465 days, respectively. Mean stillbirth rate was 5·3%. Heritabilities ranged for body weight traits from 0·08 to 0·21, for age at calving from 0·10 to 0·13 and for calving interval from 0·03 to 0·07. Genetic correlations of age at first calving with calving interval and 305-day milk yield were low. The genetic correlation between 305-day milk yield and calving interval was positive (unfavourable) in first parity (0·68) but negative in the third (-0·47). Cows with a high genetic value for 305-day milk yield were heavier at first calving than were low-yielding cows (rg 0·57). The genetic change in reproductive traits over the period studied was close to zero, whereas a marked deterioration was found in phenotypic performance. It is concluded that improved feeding and management, along with some selection against poor reproduction in cows, are important for improvement of reproductive performance.

The genetic foundation of fitness and reproduction traits in Australian pig populations. 1. Genetic parameters for weaning to conception interval, farrowing interval, and stayability

1996 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Tholen ◽  
KL Bunter ◽  
S Hermesch ◽  
HU Graser
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Reproductive Cycles

Data from 2 large Australian piggeries were used to estimate genetic parameters and to examine fixed effects for weaning to conception interval (WCI) and farrowing interval (FI) measured in the first 3 reproductive cycles, and sow stayability from the first to later i parities (STAY1i,). WCI and FI recorded following the first farrowing had low heritabilities (h2 = 0.08-0. l0), but estimates did not significantly differ from zero when these traits were recorded in later parities. Heritability estimates for STAY increased with parity of recording, ranging from 0.05 for STAY12 to 0.06 (STAYl3) and 0.09 (STAYl4). Genetic correlations between WCI12 or PI12 and stayability traits ranged from -0.22 to -0.54. Selecting for short WCI following the first farrowing should have favourable consequences for longevity of sows. Important fixed effects for WCI and FI were lactation length and the number of piglets nursed. Both short (<20 days) and long (>29 days) lactation periods led to an increase in WCI12 relative to the optimum lactation length of 21-23 days. WCI also increased with the number of piglets nursed by 1 day/additional piglet for litters ranging in size from <7 to >10 piglets. STAY was little affected by correcting for the average number of piglets born in previous litters.

Phenotypic and genetic parameters of productivity in Galway ewes

1976 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. More O'Ferrall
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Single Index ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Index Value

SUMMARYRecords from a selection flock of Galway ewes collected over a 6-yr period (1966 to 1971) were used to obtain estimates of the phenotypic and genetic parameters of ewe productivity. The number of lambs born (NLB) and weaned (NLW), the weight of lamb weaned (WLW), ewe body weight (EBW) and greasy fleece weight (GFL) were used as measures of productivity, mean values being 1·25, 0·88, 25·6 kg, 52·8 kg and 2·8 kg, respectively. Each ewe's annual performance was adjusted to a 4-yr-old ewe equivalent and expressed as a deviation from the appropriate flock × year subgroup mean; these deviations were combined into a single index value for each ewe for NLB, NLW and WLW. Records for 975 individual ewes representing 84 sires which had three or more progeny were used in a half sib analysis of variance.Estimates of heritability were 0·18, 0·24 and 0·25 for NLB, NLW and WLW based on index record and 0·07, 0·16 and 0·30 respectively for 2-yr-old ewes. Heritability estimates of EBW and GFL were 0·73 and 0·52 respectively. The genetic correlations between EBW and NLB2, NLW2, WLW2 and GFL were 0·85, 0·42, 0·62 and 0·53 respectively; those between EBW and index records were slightly negative. Phenotypic correlations were generally lower than the corresponding genetic ones.Ewes born as multiples were more productive than singles. They were 1·8 kg lighter (P < 0·01) at 18 mo and weaned 2·5 kg more lamb (P < 0·05) at 2 yr of age. The repeatability of NLB ranged from 0 to 0·2.

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