Genetic association between herd survival and linear type traits in Holstein cows under tropical conditions
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for survival measures from birth to 60 and 72 months of age, as well as survival up to 48 and 54 months after first calving. The genetic association of these measures with 20 linear type traits and final score in Holstein cows, born betw...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2014-09-01
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| Series: | Italian Journal of Animal Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.aspajournal.it/index.php/ijas/article/view/3419 |
| Summary: | The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for survival measures from birth to 60 and 72 months of age, as well as survival up to 48 and 54 months after first calving. The genetic association of these measures with 20 linear type traits and final score in Holstein cows, born between years 1990 to 2004, was also evaluated. The components of (co)variance were estimated by Bayesian methods, using the programme THRGIBBS1F 90 in bivariate analyses, considering animal threshold model for measures of survival, and animal linear model for linear type traits. The mean posterior heritability for the measures of survival ranged from 0.09 to 0.15, and for those of the linear type traits ranged from 0.07 to 0.36. The posterior genetic correlation between linear type traits and measures of survival varied from -0.37 to 0.50, respectively. Indirect genetic selection for udder depth, rear teat placement, udder texture, bone quality, fore udder attachment, body depth and chest width may lead to correlated gains in longevity in Holstein cows under tropical conditions. |
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| ISSN: | 1594-4077 1828-051X |