A comparison of Canadian Holstein bulls with those in the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
A. J. Lee ◽  
A. J. McAllister ◽  
C. Y. Lin ◽  
T. R. Batra

Direct comparisons of industry Holsteins to project Holsteins and to crossbred C lines in the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project were made at Ottawa. The industry Holstein group was composed of the eight Holstein young bulls in AI units awaiting proof in 1984, which had the highest pedigree indexes for protein yield. They were mated to both Holstein and crossbred C line females at Ottawa. Project Holstein and C line bulls were mated to females of their respective lines. Matings within the crossbred C line resulted in greater calving ease and fewer retained placentae (P < 0.05) than matings of Holsteins to either Holstein or C line females. Crossbred C line cattle were smaller and produced less milk, fat and protein in the first 24 wk of first lactation than Holsteins. Project and industry Holstein progeny were equivalent in early first lactation, milk fat and protein yield, but progeny of industry bulls were larger at all ages. Selection for protein yield over 14 yr in a 300 milking cow population produced young bulls of comparable genetic merit for production traits to that of intensely pedigree selected industry bulls. Key words: Holstein, selection, crossbred, yield, heifer

Author(s):  
K.ZH. ZHUMANOV ◽  
◽  
T.N. KARYMSAKOV ◽  
M.A. KINEEV ◽  
M.V. TAMAROVSKIY ◽  
...  

According to the current “Instruction” used in dairy cattle selection and breeding in the Republic of Kazakhstan, bulls-producers of dairy breeds are assessed according to the their offspring quality based on the principle of “peer daughter”. This means that the phenotypic indicators of the daughters of the tested bulls are compared with the corresponding indicators of their peers. In European countries with developed dairy cattle breeding, as well as in Canada, the USA, etc., to ensure a reliable forecast of the genetic value of individuals (primarily, bulls-producers), use is made of the best linear unbiased forecast method (BLUP method). This method implies that the breeding value of producers is determined by the deviation values of the development of traits of the examined animal from its average values in the population. Especially urgent area is the research aimed at improving breeding programs, including assessing the breeding value of bulls-producers of dairy breeds using BLUP methods based on the productive qualities of the mass of dairy cattle in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The research material included the data on the phenotypic indicators of the milk productivity of first-calf cows (the amount of milk yield, the content of fat and protein in milk, the yield of milk fat and protein) of the Holstein black-motley dairy cattle breed, obtained from the information and analytical database of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2016–2017. It was found that when evaluating according to the official “Instruction”, 16 sires out of 256 bulls (6.2%) got the stud category in 2016, 14 sires (9.2%) out of 152 bulls in 2017, and – 30 sires of 249 bulls (12.0%) over the cumulative period. The results of the conducted research prove that the use of the classic “Instructions” in dairy cattle breeding has lower efficiency (by 42.8–90.0%) as compared with the assessment of the breeding value of bulls based on the BLUP method.The selection of sire bulls into breeding groups based on the “peer daughter” methodology is not reliable enough and rather ineffective. Comparing the results of assessing the breeding qualities of sire bulls, obtianed using two methods in all compared periods (2016, 2017, 2016–2017), the authors established a clear superiority of the BLUP method over the current Instruction used in the Republic of Kazakhstan.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 60-67
Author(s):  
G. D. Іlyashenko

Dairy cattle breeding is one of the leading livestock sectors whose purpose is to ensure the production of high quality dairy raw materials in volumes meeting the scientifically grounded standards of state food security and expanding the export potential of the agrarian sector. The purpose of our research was to study the status and prospects of dairy cattle breeding in the Kirovograd region. Material and methods of research. The research was carried out on the basis of the electronic database of breeding goals (including 2312 cows), official statistics and estimates of cattle of various breeds that are involved in the production of dairy direction in the breeding farms of the Kirovograd region. The analysis used zootechnical and statistical methods. The calculations were carried out using the software package "STATISTICA-6,1" Results. According to the research (2001–2018), the cattle population in the Kirovograd oblast decreased by a factor of 2.6. Thus, as of January 1, 2018, its number constituted 96.3 thousand heads in all categories of farms, 53.1 thousand of them were cows, the number of which also decreased by 2.4 times. Specific gravity of cattle population of farms remains significant and makes up 72.7%, and 80.6% in the livestock of cows. The largest number of cows of agricultural enterprises declined significantly. Thus, as of January 1, 2018, their number was 10.3 thousand goals, which is 4.7 times less than in the same period of 2001. In the households there is also a tendency for a permanent reduction of cows, the difference is, respectively, 37.0 thousand heads or 46.4% The development of dairy cattle breeding is characterized by two opposite tendencies: reduction of livestock of cows and increase of their productivity. Thus, in agricultural enterprises in 2010, compared to 2000, hopes per cow increased by 2.5 times, in all categories of farms by 1.8 times. In 2017, the increase in dairy costs in agricultural enterprises compared to 2010 amounted to 60.0% in farms of all categories 12.2%. The researches found that in the agricultural enterprises of the oblast as of January 1, 2018 there are 26256 head of cattle, including 10281 cows. The breeding part of the existing cows is 3.013 heads, 29.3% of the total number located in 10 breeding farms. The analysis of the genealogy structure showed that the experimental population of cows belongs to 18 lines and related groups of which the most numerous Chifa 1427381 – 20.4%, Starbuck 352790 – 20.1%, Henev 1629391 – 18.6% , Eleusis 1491007 – 11.2%, Family 267150 – 10.8%. Among the indicated lines, the lowest level of milk productivity was first-born cows. The 1491007, the milk of milk for 305 days of lactation was 4466 ± 99.8 kg, and the milk fat was 168.2 ± 6.5 kg. Analogues l Starbak 352779 was characterized by the highest milk productivity, its level was 5696 + 98.8 kg and 224.9 ± 9.7 kg, respectively. The difference in stomach was 1230 ± 140.4 kg (td = 10.2) and at the release of milk fat 56.7 ± 5.28 kg (td = 10.2) at P < 0.001. However, the latter were markedly less service life (125 against 168 days) and logically higher reproduction rate compared to other lines. An analysis of the intensity of the formation of live weight of young animals has been established for its highest growth in heifers of controlled herds in the period from 9 to 12 months. Thus, in animals of Ukrainian red breed, the growth rate of live weight during this period was 75 kg, Ukrainian red-shrimp 61 kg, Ukrainian black-and-white 73 kg, Holstein 76 kg. Accordingly, during this period, the average daily gain of live weight of young breeds of these breeds was 833 g; 678 g; 811 g, 835 g. The sharp fluctuations of average daily increments during growing periods, first of all, testify to the unequal conditions of growing and feeding young animals than the breed differences. In general, as a result of the analysis of the formation of live weight of heifers, a significant level of phenotypic variability was observed, which confirms sufficient genetic resources and preconditions for selection on the given sign. Therefore, proceeding from the above, in the long run, selection work for breeding improvement of cattle breeding farms of the Kirovograd region should be conducted in accordance with certain promising directions according to groups of breeds. Conclusions. A very important factor in the growth of milk production in the Kirovograd region is high-yield pedigree cattle. The main task on the way of bringing breeding cases in dairy farming to the modern level is the introduction of computer breeding records in breeding farms. This will allow to estimate in the near future bulls-pedigrees, which were used in the past in these farms, to allocate among them complex improvers for precisely the specific conditions and maximally attract them for reproduction. On the other hand, a reliable clogging of poor quality in the genetic sense of sperm production, which leads to negative consequences, will be posed. When establishing the assessment of the breeding value of bulls and developing a single plan of breeding and breeding work in the region, one can proceed to the next step of improving breeding and breeding business, introducing a progressive method of raising the breeding value of animals of large-scale breeding. As a result, the profit from the breeding of highly productive animals, well adapted to specific conditions, will significantly exceed the costs. At the same time, the proposed measures will allow the breeding business to be brought up to the modern world level and stimulate highly productive cattle breeding.


1995 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
W. G. Hill ◽  
S. Brotherstone ◽  
P. M. Visscher

AbstractRates of genetic improvement in dairy cattle breeding programmes have increased substantially in the last decade, not only in Europe where there has been substantial immigration of North American stock. More accurate statistical evaluation procedures, including the use of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) with the animal model, have been introduced; higher selection intensities have been achieved, particularly on production traits, through better organized and focused schemes; and developments in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) have been both a stimulus and to some extent a cause. Continued rapid improvement can be expected as research and development enables more accurate and timely use to be made of recording data, because there is evidence that heritability values for milk production are rising, perhaps because of better cow management, and as competition among breeders internationally increases. There are a number of consequent challenges to geneticists and breeders. Attention will have to be given to maintaining the fitness of very high producing animals by recording health, fertility, longevity and parlour traits, and using the results of research to give them appropriate weight in selection decisions. Developments in molecular methods and in reproductive technologies present new opportunities, but are unlikely to do more for some time than complement progress from conventional selection on the important production traits.


Author(s):  
Henk Bovenhuis

Several studies have shown milk protein genetic variants to be associated with manufacturing properties of milk. The main findings were that κ-casein genetic variants affect renneting time of milk and βlactoglobulin genetic variants are associated with casein number (reviewed by Grosclaude, 1988). There are reports also of associations between milk protein genetic variants and milk production traits. Results from these studies indicate that κ-casein genotypes are associated with protein content and βlactoglobulin genotypes are related to fat content (reviewed by Bovenhuis et al., 1992). Therefore, κ-casein and βlactoglobulin genotypes might be of value as selection criteria. The aim of the present study was to quantify the potential effects of selection for κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin genotypes by using stochastic simulation of a closed adult MOET nucleus breeding scheme.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Michael M Lohuis

Abstract Dairy cattle breeding programs have been transformed from conventional progeny-testing schemes to genomic selection paired with nucleus herd breeding in the span of one decade. This was spurred by the simultaneous advances in low-cost SNP genotyping, genomic selection methodology and reproductive biotechnologies. The rates of genetic progress have approximately doubled in this time but so have increases in inbreeding levels. This was driven by intense competition between AI studs and farmer adherence to common selection indices which has concentrated selection on very elite segments of juvenile age groups. This has led to speculation on the need for alternative indices and selection for novel traits in order to differentiate breeding programs and customize selection for unique farm conditions. This will be made more possible by the advent of on-farm sensor technology and artificial intelligence algorithms. Large commercial dairies are increasingly experimenting with crossbreeding with varying levels of success and this will require a new approach by breeding programs to focus both on purebred and crossbred performance. In addition, the potential exists for use of gene-editing to further enable value-added traits to be added into breeding programs. In parallel with breeding program advancements, consumer trends are also changing to include more interest in specialty dairy products with implied differences in digestibility, health or environmental impacts. Identifying technologies and traits that will add value either on the farm as well as at the consumer level will be a challenge for today’s breeders and producers. Some new technologies, such as gene editing, can pose consumer acceptance challenges if they are perceived to be used carelessly or for the wrong reasons. Careful choices will need to be made to continue to improve profitability, functionality and health of dairy cattle while also meeting higher consumer standards for animal welfare, health and the environment.


Genetika ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 969-977
Author(s):  
Ahad Yousefi ◽  
Abdolreza Salehi ◽  
Mehdi Aminafshar ◽  
Sayyadnejad Bagher

Uterine Milk Protein (UTMP) the member of Serine Protease Inhibitor superfamily secreted from uterine endometrium during pregnancy under influence of progesterone. Specific functions of UTMP include protease inhibition, growth control, and direct nutrition of the conceptus. This investigation was performed in order to study polymorphism of UTMP gene and its association with milk production traits in Iranian Holstein bulls. Genomic DNA was extracted from 100 semen samples of proven bulls. In order to amplify 568bp-fragment including same part of intron 3, whole exon 4 and downstream of UTMP gene, a pair of primer was designed. PCR products were digested with BsrI enzyme. The allele frequencies of a, b and c were 0.135, 0.69 and 0.175, respectively in studied population. Four genotypes AB, BB, BC and CC were observed with frequencies of 0.27, 0.49, 0.13 and 0.11, respectively. Genotypes AA and AC were not observed in this study. The chi-square (X2) test revealed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Data were obtained from animal breeding centre of Iran for the first lactation during 1993-2008 to estimate some genetic parameters. Heritability of milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percent and protein percent were 0.28, 0.21, 0.22, 0.32 and 0.34 respectively. Results indicated significant association between UTMP Genotypes and milk, fat and protein yield traits. Meanwhile, Bulls with CC Genotype had higher milk, fat and protein yield compared to other genotypes (p<0.05). These results suggested UTMP as a candidate gene influencing milk production traits might be implemented in breeding programs to improve the production performance of Iranian Holstein cattle.


2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanghua He ◽  
Qin Chu ◽  
Peipei Ma ◽  
Yachun Wang ◽  
Qin Zhang ◽  
...  

CD4+T cells play a key role in the immune response of pathogen-induced mastitis in dairy cattle. Mammary gland factor STAT5b is involved in the regulation of CD4+T cell differentiation during inflammatory response and milk production. Little is known about the genetic variation effects of bovineCD4andSTAT5bgenes on somatic cell score (SCS) and milk production traits in dairy cattle. The aim of the study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of bovineCD4andSTAT5bin Chinese Holsteins and to analyse their association with estimated breeding values (EBVs) for SCS and milk production traits. In the present study, SNPs ofCD4(NC_007303 g.13598C>T) andSTAT5b(NC_007317 g.31562 T>C) were identified and genotyped in Chinese Holstein population. The results showed that both SNPs were significantly associated with the EBVs for milk yield and protein yield in Chinese Holstein cows, and the SNP inCD4was associated with the EBV for SCS (P<0·01). The additive effect ofCD4SNP on protein yield was significant (P<0·05), and the dominant effect ofSTAT5bSNP was significant on milk yield and protein yield (P<0·01). Cows with combination genotype C7 (CCTT:CD4g.13598C>T andSTAT5bg.31562 T>C) had the highest SCS EBV but lower milk yield, while cows with C2 (TTTC) produced more milk, fat and protein than the other eight combination genotypes. These results suggested that the SNPs inCD4andSTAT5bmay be potential genetic markers for SCS and milk/protein yields selecting and warrant further functional research.


1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. K. Kulak ◽  
J. C. M. Dekkers ◽  
A. J. McAllister ◽  
A. J. Lee

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare alternative measures of individual cow lifetime profitability and to determine what lifetime traits are significantly related to profitability of dairy cattle. Profitability measures considered were: 1) lifetime milk revenue minus lifetime feed costs (MMF); 2) lifetime profit (LP); 3) discounted lifetime profit (DLP); 4) annualized DLP per year of total life (ADLPLTL); 5) annualized DLP per year of productive life (ADLPLPL); 6) DLP adjusted for opportunity cost of postponed replacement (DLPOC), and 7) economic efficiency (EF). Data for this study consisted of 1112 lifetime performance records of Holstein cows from the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project, which was implemented by Agriculture Canada in 1972. Correlations were highest among MMF, LP, and DLP. EF had slightly lower correlations with MMF, LP, and DLP, but higher with ADLPLTL and ADLPLPL. ADLPLPL and DLPOC had low correlations with all other measures. DLPOC was recommended as the best because it considered the opportunity costs of postponed replacement.For DLPOC, average milk revenue per lactation was found to be the most important income trait, followed by length of productive life. Days dry (average over completed lactations) had the greatest negative impact on profitability. Age at first calving and average number of veterinary treatments for reproductive diseases over lactations were both negative contributions to profit. Lifetime traits accounted for 65% of variation in DLPOC. Key words: Dairy cow, profitability, lifetime traits


1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. BATRA ◽  
A. J. McALLISTER ◽  
A. J. LEE ◽  
J. P. CHESNAIS ◽  
J. P. F. DARISSE ◽  
...  

Ages at first heat and first conception, age and weight at first calving, number of services per conception, and incidence of difficult calving and retained placenta were obtained from 853 heifers of the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding project of the Research Branch of Agriculture Canada. Among these, 483 heifers were from Agriculture Canada Research Branch Holstein cows and by Research Branch, Canadian and U.S. Holstein sires (H line). The other heifers were from Research Branch Ayrshire cows and by Research Branch, Canadian, U.S. and Finnish Ayrshire as well as Brown Swiss and Norwegian Red sires (A line). The data were analyzed by least squares analysis of variance using a model containing fixed effects of station, year of birth, season of birth, line, sire groups within line, and sires within sire group within line. The effects of station and line were significant for most of the heifer reproduction traits studied while the effect of year of birth was only significant for age at first conception and weight at first calving. H line heifers on the average showed first heat 27 days earlier, were 11 days younger at first conception, were 13 days younger at first calving, were 33 kg heavier at first calving, had 30% more difficult calving and 9% fewer retained placenta than the A line heifers. Differences among the sire groups within the H line were small and nonsignificant while within the A line they were significant for age at first heat and weight at first calving. Key words: Heifer reproduction traits, dairy cattle


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