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de Oliveira Padilha DA, Evangelista AF, Valloto AA, Zadra LEF, de Almeida R, de Almeida Teixeira R, Dias LT. Genetic association between fat-to-protein ratio and traits of economic interest in early lactation Holstein cows in Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:90. [PMID: 38413494 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to estimate the genetic parameters for fat-to-protein ratio (F:P) within the first 90 days of lactation and to examine their genetic associations with daily milk yield (MY), somatic cell score (SCS), and calving interval between the first and second calving (IFSC) and between the second and third calving (ISTC) during the first three lactations of Holstein cows. We utilized 200,626 production-related data officially recorded from 77,436 cows milked two or three times a day from 2012 to 2022, sourced from the Holstein Cattle Breeders Association of Paraná State, Brazil. The (co)variance components were estimated using animal models, adopting the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method with single-trait analysis (for heritability and repeatability) and two-trait analysis (for genetic and phenotypic correlations), per lactation. Regardless of lactation number, heritability estimates were relatively low, ranging from 0.08 ± 0.005 to 0.10 ± 0.003 for F:P; 0.08 ± 0.01 to 0.18 ± 0.005 for MY; 0.04 ± 0.01 to 0.07 ± 0.004 for SCS; and 0.03 ± 0.01 for both IFSC and ISTC. Repeatability estimates within the same lactation were low for F:P (ranging from 0.17 ± 0.002 to 0.19 ± 0.03), high for MY (between 0.50 ± 0.003 and 0.53 ± 0.002), and moderate to high for SCS (between 0.39 ± 0.003 and 0.44 ± 0.004). Genetic correlations between F:P and MY ranged from -0.26 ± 0.03 to -0.15 ± 0.02; F:P and SCS, from -0.06 ± 0.03 to -0.03 ± 0.08; F:P and IFSC, 0.31 ± 0.01; F:P and ISTC, 0.20 ± 0.01; MY and IFSC, 0.24 ± 0.05; and MY and ISTC, 0.13 ± 0.08. The fat-to-protein ratio during early lactation showed low genetic variability, regardless of lactation number. Furthermore, it was genetically correlated with MY, IFSC, and ISTC, although there is an antagonistic and unfavorable correlation between traits that can limit genetic progress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amauri Felipe Evangelista
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, UFPR, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Altair Antônio Valloto
- Holstein Cattle Breeders Association of Paraná State (APCBRH), Curitiba, PR, 81200-404, Brazil
| | - Lenira El Faro Zadra
- Advanced Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science, Sertãozinho, SP, 13380-011, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, UFPR, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | | | - Laila Talarico Dias
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Animal Science, UFPR, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
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Sharma S, Dhaka SS, Patil CS, Rathi P. Estimation of direct and maternal covariance along with genetic and phenotypic trends of reproduction traits in Murrah buffalo. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14526. [PMID: 38268210 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The research utilized data from 662 Murrah buffaloes meticulously recorded over 24 years (1996-2019) from historical pedigree sheets maintained at the buffalo farm of the Department of Livestock Production and Management (LPM) at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar. A series of six univariate animal models were employed to calculate estimates of (co)variance components and heritability for first lactation reproduction traits. Among these models, Model 2 was identified as the best fit for age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI), while Model 1 proved optimal for service period (SP) and conception rate (CR). The heritability estimates for AFC, SP, CR and CI across the models were ranged between 0.11 and 0.32, 0.01 and 0.03, 0.05 and 0.06, and 0.01 and 0.06, respectively. Maternal effects (m2 ) were observed in AFC and CI, ranging from 0.10 to 0.20 and 0.01 to 0.03, respectively. Across all three traits, there was a consistent negative genetic correlation (-0.75 to -0.92) between direct additive and maternal effects. The breeding values for AFC, SP, CR and CI varied within specific ranges from -32.85 to 44.33 days, -15.61 to 28.42 days, -7.41 to 6.48% and -20.64 to 35.79 days, respectively. Significantly, Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed highly significant relationships (p < .01) between the breeding values of different models, indicating strong and consistent associations within these traits. These findings underscore the stable and reliable connections observed within the breeding values for these essential reproductive traits across the various models used in the study. The majority of reproductive traits showed favourable negative trends, indicating a positive outcome. A decrease in AFC, SP and CI suggests an extended economic life for the animals. Additionally, the upward trends in CR reflect positive indications of effective management practices and skilled operational procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Sharma
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (AGB), Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Surender Singh Dhaka
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (AGB), Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Chandrashekhar Santosh Patil
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (AGB), Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Pallavi Rathi
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (AGB), Hisar, Haryana, India
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Sdiri C, Ben Souf I, Ben Salem I, M'Hamdi N, Ben Hamouda M. Assessment of Genetic and Health Management of Tunisian Holstein Dairy Herds with a Focus on Longevity. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030670. [PMID: 36980943 PMCID: PMC10048445 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In Tunisia, the recognition of the possibility of including longevity and disease resistance in dairy cattle selection objectives has been hypothesized as a useful strategy by both researchers and producers. However, in this paper, the state of the art, with a focus on health and longevity, is reviewed. Along the same lines, the heritability for the milk traits, fertility traits, and longevity of Tunisian Holstein dairy cows complies with the literature. Therefore, the influence of genetics on some diseases of the dairy cow was investigated. In addition, a decreasing efficiency in cow fertility has been observed over the last few years. The results showed that the risk of culling increased with common diseases. When analyzed with the Weibull model, functional lifespan was strongly influenced by milk yield; therefore, the risk increased with a reduced milk yield. In her first three lactations, the relative risk of selection increased gradually with lactation. Thus, the risk of thinning is highest at the beginning and end of the first feeding and the end of her second feeding. In conclusion, the risk of culling was reduced in parity. The factors that influence the life of the herd, such as health, husbandry, environmental conditions, and management, are often ignored when evaluating longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaima Sdiri
- Research Laboratory of Ecosystems & Aquatic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, 43 Avenue Charles Nicolle, Tunis 1082, Tunisia
| | - Ikram Ben Souf
- Research Laboratory of Ecosystems & Aquatic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, 43 Avenue Charles Nicolle, Tunis 1082, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben Salem
- Department of Animal Production, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Naceur M'Hamdi
- Research Laboratory of Ecosystems & Aquatic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, 43 Avenue Charles Nicolle, Tunis 1082, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ben Hamouda
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRAT), Rue Hédi Karray, El Menzah 1004, Tunisia
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Kgari RD, Muller C, Dzama K, Makgahlela ML. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Heifer and Cow Fertility Traits Derived from On-Farm AI Service Records of South African Holstein Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162023. [PMID: 36009614 PMCID: PMC9404416 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to derive additional fertility traits from service data and estimate their genetic parameters for their possible inclusion in the South African Holstein cattle breeding programs. Service records (n = 64,464) were collected from 18 South African Holstein herds using on-farm automated milk recording systems. Using a multivariate model, the data were used to estimate heritabilities and correlations among several fertility traits. The pedigree data consisted of information on 18,592 animals born between 1981 and 2013. Heritability estimates observed were low to moderate (0.02 ± 0.00 to 0.24 ± 0.00), indicating that there is some genetic basis for the explored fertility traits to warrant selection. The genetic correlations observed between fertility traits were generally favorable, with some high correlations between age at first service (AFS) and services per conception for heifers (SPCh) (0.73 ± 0.00) and between days from calving to first service (CFS) and services per conception for cows (SPC) (0.90 ± 0.01). Positive genetic correlations indicate that improvement in one trait is coupled with a correlated genetic increase in another trait. The studied fertility traits could be used in addition to AFC and CI to serve as a basis for the selection of reproduction in dairy cattle to minimize selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadimetje Delight Kgari
- Agricultural Research Council, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Carel Muller
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Dzama
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Mahlako Linah Makgahlela
- Agricultural Research Council, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa
- Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
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ENDO N. Possible causes and treatment strategies for the estrus and ovulation disorders in dairy cows. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:85-89. [PMID: 35153250 PMCID: PMC8979803 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi ENDO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Reproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Inoue K, Hosono M, Oyama H, Hirooka H. Genetic associations between reproductive traits for first calving and growth curve characteristics of Japanese Black cattle. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13467. [PMID: 33043536 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for first calving reproductive traits and growth curve characteristics in Japanese Black cattle. The Gompertz growth function was fitted to body weight-age data to obtain the mature weight (MWT) and rate of maturing (ROM) of cows. Data of reproductive traits including the first service conception rate (CR) for heifers, age at the first calving (AFC), and gestation length for the first calving were collected. Records of 3,204 animals were used for analysis. Genetic parameters were estimated using a linear uni- and bivariate animal model. The heritability estimates were moderate (0.29 for ROM) and high (0.57 for MWT) for growth curve parameters and low (0.03-0.11) for reproductive traits. There was a negative genetic correlation between MWT and ROM (-0.26), suggesting that an animal with a faster ROM would show a lower MWT. CR was negatively correlated with MWT (-0.42) but significantly and positively correlated with ROM (0.91). There was a negative genetic correlation between AFC and MWT (-0.49). These results suggest that a heifer with a faster ROM and lower MWT would show a higher CR. Meanwhile, a heifer with a lower MWT would show a higher AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Inoue
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masahiko Hosono
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hidemi Oyama
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan
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Sasaki O, Takeda H, Nishiura A. The economic value of days open in Holstein cows in Japan based on simulated changes in conception rate. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13342. [PMID: 32219940 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing herd-life length and culling parity with increasing conception rate (CR) is necessary to increase lifetime profit from dairy cow production. Economic values of days open (DO) were determined by calculating changes in fertility traits, herd-life length, and milk yield when the simulated CR were changed in increments of 1% from -5% to 5% from the basal levels, which were obtained for Hokkaido and regions other than Hokkaido separately. When CR increased, number of artificial inseminations, DO, and milking length decreased. Furthermore, culling parity, and annual milk yield increased. Herd-life length increased in Hokkaido and decreased in the other regions. The economic values of CR were 1,623.8 to 946.8 yen and of DO were 857.4 to 399.0 yen. Relative economic values of milk yield to days open per genetic standard deviation were higher in the other regions than in Hokkaido where the economic effect of selection for DO was expected to be equal to selection for 305-day milk yield and herd life. If the survival rate of multipara cows in the other regions increases, then the economic value of DO would similarly increase in Hokkaido.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Sasaki
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hisato Takeda
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akiko Nishiura
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
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Yamazaki T, Yamaguchi S, Takeda H, Osawa T, Hagiya K. Genetic parameters for conception rate and milk production traits within and across Holstein herds with different housing types and feeding systems during the first 3 lactations. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10361-10373. [PMID: 32861493 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The housing types (HST) in which dairy cows are kept and the feeding systems (FDS) used differ among farmers in Japan. Here, we investigated the genetic relationships among conception rate at first insemination (CR) and milk production traits (PROD) during the first 3 lactations of Holstein cows by using a multiple-trait model that considered the trait values of herds with different HST [tiestall (TSL) barn, freestall (FS) barn, or grazing (GZ)] and FDS as separate traits. Milk production and conception records of Holstein cows in the Hokkaido region of Japan (283,611 records for first lactation, 253,902 for second, and 181,197 for third) were analyzed. We categorized herds with TSL or FS into 2 types of FDS for cows: separate feeding (SF) of roughage plus concentrate or feeding of total mixed ration, in which roughage and concentrates were mixed before feeding. The PROD analyzed were cumulative milk, fat, and protein yields within 305 d and lactation persistency, which we defined as the difference between milk yields at 240 and 60 d in milk. We estimated the heritabilities for CR or PROD within each HST or HST × FDS group and the genetic correlations between these traits within each group or across different groups within each lactation by using a 3-HST (TSL, FS, and GZ) × 2-trait (CR and each PROD) or 2-HST (TSL and FS) × 2-FDS × 2-trait animal model. Heritability estimates for CR in GZ were higher than those in TSL or FS, and genetic correlations for CR between GZ and TSL or FS barns were weaker than those between TSL and FS barns. In addition, genetic correlations between CR and PROD in GZ were weaker than those in TSL and FS barns. In the comparison among the 4 HST × FDS except GZ, heritability estimates for CR in FS × SF were higher than those in the others, and genetic correlations for CR between FS × SF and the other systems were relatively weak. These results indicated that differences in the production system for Holstein cows influence genotypic effects in terms of the cows' ability to conceive and the genetic relationships between fertility traits and milk production traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yamazaki
- Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Sapporo, 062-8555, Japan.
| | - S Yamaguchi
- Hokkaido Dairy Milk Recording and Testing Association, Sapporo, 060-0004, Japan
| | - H Takeda
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, 305-0901, Japan
| | - T Osawa
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, 961-8511, Japan
| | - K Hagiya
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Japan
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Cesarani A, Gaspa G, Masuda Y, Degano L, Vicario D, Lourenco DAL, Macciotta NPP. Variance components using genomic information for 2 functional traits in Italian Simmental cattle: Calving interval and lactation persistency. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5227-5233. [PMID: 32278560 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Functional traits, such as fertility and lactation persistency, are becoming relevant breeding goals for dairy cattle. Fertility is a key element for herd profitability and animal welfare; in particular, calving interval (CIN) is an indicator of female fertility that can be easily recorded. Lactation persistency (LPE; i.e., the ability of a cow to maintain a high milk yield after the lactation peak) is economically important and is related to several other traits, such as feed efficiency, health, and reproduction. The selection of these functional traits is constrained by their low heritability. In this study, variance components for CIN and LPE in the Italian Simmental cattle breed were estimated using genomic and pedigree information under the single-step genomic framework. A data set of 594,257 CIN records (from 275,399 cows) and 285,213 LPE records (from 1563,389 cows) was considered. Phenotypes were limited up to the third parity. The pedigree contained about 2 million animals, and 7,246 genotypes were available. Lactation persistency was estimated using principal component analysis on test day records, with higher values of the second extracted principal component (PC2) values associated with lower LPE, and lower PC2 values associated with higher LPE. Heritability of CIN and LPE were estimated using single-trait repeatability models. A multiple-trait analysis using CIN and production traits (milk, fat, and protein yields) was performed to estimate genetic correlations among these traits. Heritability for CIN in the single-trait model was low (0.06 ± 0.002). Unfavorable genetic correlations were found between CIN and production traits. A measure of LPE was derived using principal component analysis on test day records. The heritability and repeatability of LPE were 0.11 ± 0.004 and 0.20 ± 0.02, respectively. Genetic correlation between CIN and LPE was weak but had a favorable direction. Despite the low heritability estimates, results of the present work suggest the possibility of including these traits in the Italian Simmental breeding program. The use of a single-step approach may provide better results for young genotyped animals without their own phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cesarani
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
| | - Giustino Gaspa
- Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Alimentary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Yutaka Masuda
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602
| | - Lorenzo Degano
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Pezzata Rossa Italiana (ANAPRI), 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Vicario
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Pezzata Rossa Italiana (ANAPRI), 33100 Udine, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò P P Macciotta
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Martin P, Baes C, Houlahan K, Richardson C, Jamrozik J, Miglior F. Genetic correlations among selected traits in Canadian Holsteins. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the Canadian dairy industry, there are currently over 80 traits routinely evaluated, and more are considered for potential selection. Particularly, in the last few years, recording has commenced for several new phenotypes required to introduce novel traits with high economic importance into the selection program. However, without a systematic estimation of the genetic correlations that exist among traits, the potential results of indirect selection are unknown. Therefore, 29 traits representative of the trait diversity for first lactation Canadian animals were selected. Their two-by-two genetic correlations were estimated from a dataset of 62 498 first lactation Holstein cows, using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Gibbs sampling approach. The general tendencies among the groups of traits confirm that production traits are negatively correlated with fertility traits and that functional traits are positively correlated with one another. The association of udder depth with fertility and disease resistance has also been highlighted. This contribution offers a comprehensive overview of current estimates across traits and includes correlations with novel traits that constitute an original addition to the literature. These new estimates can be used for newly developed genomic evaluation models and possibly lead to more accurate estimations of the dairy cows’ overall genetic merit.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Martin
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative (GABI), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - C. Baes
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - K. Houlahan
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - C.M. Richardson
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J. Jamrozik
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Dairy Network, Guelph, ON N1K 1E5, Canada
| | - F. Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Dairy Network, Guelph, ON N1K 1E5, Canada
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Kiser JN, Keuter EM, Seabury CM, Neupane M, Moraes JGN, Dalton J, Burns GW, Spencer TE, Neibergs HL. Validation of 46 loci associated with female fertility traits in cattle. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:576. [PMID: 31299913 PMCID: PMC6624949 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subfertility is one challenge facing the dairy industry as the average Holstein heifer conception rate (HCR), the proportion of heifers that conceive and maintain a pregnancy per breeding, is estimated at 55–60%. Of the loci associated with HCR, few have been validated in an independent cattle population, limiting their usefulness for selection or furthering our understanding of the mechanisms involved in successful pregnancy. Therefore, the objectives here were to identify loci associated with HCR: 1) to the first artificial insemination (AI) service (HCR1), 2) to repeated AI services required for a heifer to conceive (TBRD) and 3) to validate loci previously associated with fertility. Breeding and health records from 3359 Holstein heifers were obtained after heifers were bred by AI at observed estrus, with pregnancy determined at day 35 via palpation. Heifer DNA was genotyped using the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip, and genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) were performed with additive, dominant and recessive models using the Efficient Mixed Model Association eXpedited (EMMAX) method with a relationship matrix for two phenotypes. The HCR1 GWAA compared heifers that were pregnant after the first AI service (n = 497) to heifers that were open following the first AI service (n = 405), which included those that never conceived. The TBRD GWAA compared only those heifers which did conceive, across variable numbers of AI service (n = 712). Comparison of loci previously associated with fertility, HCR1 or TBRD were considered the same locus for validation when in linkage disequilibrium (D’ > 0.7). Results The HCR1 GWAA identified 116, 187 and 28 loci associated (P < 5 × 10− 8) in additive, dominant and recessive models, respectively. The TBRD GWAA identified 235, 362, and 69 QTL associated (P < 5 × 10− 8) with additive, dominant and recessive models, respectively. Loci previously associated with fertility were in linkage disequilibrium with 22 loci shared with HCR1 and TBRD, 5 HCR1 and 19 TBRD loci. Conclusions Loci associated with HCR1 and TBRD that have been identified and validated can be used to improve HCR through genomic selection, and to better understand possible mechanisms associated with subfertility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5935-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Kiser
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Keuter
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Christopher M Seabury
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mahesh Neupane
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Joao G N Moraes
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joseph Dalton
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Idaho, Caldwell, ID, USA
| | - Gregory W Burns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Holly L Neibergs
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Setiaji A, Oikawa T. Genetics of heifer reproductive traits in Japanese Black cattle. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:197-202. [PMID: 31208175 PMCID: PMC6946956 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to identify environmental factors strongly associated with and to estimate genetic parameters of reproductive traits in Japanese Black heifers. Methods Data included reproduction records of Japanese Black heifers born between 2004 and 2014. First service non-return rate (NRR) to 56 days from first to successful insemination (FS), number of services per conception (IN), age at first calving (AFC) and gestation length were analyzed with the use of the general linear model. Genetic parameters were estimated with the use of the univariate animal model of the residual maximum likelihood. Results Averages of reproductive traits over eleven years were assessed, and the effects of farm, year, month, artificial insemination technician and interaction of farm×year on the traits were determined. Estimated heritability of FS was very low and that of AFC was higher than that of the other traits. A close genetic relation was observed among NRR, IN, and FS; however, their heritabilities were very low. AFC shows favorable genetic correlation with IN and FS. Conclusion Low heritabilities of most reproductive traits in Japanese Black heifers are strongly influenced by farm management practices, and that large residual variances make genetic evaluation difficult. Among the reproductive traits, AFC is potentially more useful for genetic improvement of heifer reproductive traits because it has high heritability and favorable genetic correlations with IN and FS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asep Setiaji
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213 Japan.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275 Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Takuro Oikawa
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213 Japan
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13
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Setiaji A, Oikawa T. Different penalty methods for assessing interval from first to successful insemination in Japanese Black heifers. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:1349-1354. [PMID: 30744344 PMCID: PMC6722307 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to determine the best approach for handling missing records of first to successful insemination (FS) in Japanese Black heifers. Methods Of a total of 2,367 records of heifers born between 2003 and 2015 used, 206 (8.7%) of open heifers were missing. Four penalty methods based on the number of inseminations were set as follows: C1, FS average according to the number of inseminations; C2, constant number of days, 359; C3, maximum number of FS days to each insemination; and C4, average of FS at the last insemination and FS of C2. C5 was generated by adding a constant number (21 d) to the highest number of FS days in each contemporary group. The bootstrap method was used to compare among the 5 methods in terms of bias, mean squared error (MSE) and coefficient of correlation between estimated breeding value (EBV) of non-censored data and censored data. Three percentages (5%, 10%, and 15%) were investigated using the random censoring scheme. The univariate animal model was used to conduct genetic analysis. Results Heritability of FS in non-censored data was 0.012±0.016, slightly lower than the average estimate from the five penalty methods. C1, C2, and C3 showed lower standard errors of estimated heritability but demonstrated inconsistent results for different percentages of missing records. C4 showed moderate standard errors but more stable ones for all percentages of the missing records, whereas C5 showed the highest standard errors compared with non-censored data. The MSE in C4 heritability was 0.633×10−4, 0.879×10−4, 0.876×10−4 and 0.866 ×10−4 for 5%, 8.7%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, of the missing records. Thus, C4 showed the lowest and the most stable MSE of heritability; the coefficient of correlation for EBV was 0.88; 0.93 and 0.90 for heifer, sire and dam, respectively. Conclusion C4 demonstrated the highest positive correlation with the non-censored data set and was consistent within different percentages of the missing records. We concluded that C4 was the best penalty method for missing records due to the stable value of estimated parameters and the highest coefficient of correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asep Setiaji
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Tembalang Campus, Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Takuro Oikawa
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
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Yamazaki T, Takeda H, Osawa T, Yamaguchi S, Hagiya K. Genetic correlations among fertility traits and lactation persistency within and across Holstein herds with different milk production during the first three lactations✰. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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15
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Genetic parameters and correlations between days open and production traits across lactations in pasture based dairy production systems. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Oikawa T. Effect of heat stress on age at first calving of Japanese Black cows in Okinawa. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:439-444. [PMID: 27476996 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Calving records from birth certificates of cows were analyzed to investigate the effect of heat stress on age at first calving (AFC) of Japanese Black cows. The data set covered 20 years (1990-2009) of calving records. Total number of records was 9279. Daily weather information from weather stations in the vicinity of the farms was used. Temperature-humidity index (THI) fitted to a linear model covered 30 days pre-insemination to 61 days post-insemination. Statistical analysis was conducted with procedures of SAS/STAT. Preliminary analysis showed that THI of the lowest temperature and humidity was most conducive to AFC. Covariance analysis, including main effect of sire, farm and year of insemination and covariates of THI on days showed that regression coefficients of THI on day -7, day -2 and day +31 were statistically significant. The estimated piecewise regression line showed different responses of AFC to THI on days: roof-shasped downward trend on day -7, hockey-stick shaped upward trend on day -2 and day +31. The difference among the estimated regression lines may be caused by direct and indirect factors on reproduction: indirect effect of reduced feed intake, failure of conception at previous insemination, direct effect of heat stress on oocyte and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Oikawa
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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17
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Reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48:1409-13. [PMID: 27344664 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Crossbreed dairy breeds, such as Holstein × dairy type of Simmental, have been generally used to improve fertility, udder health, and longevity of dairy herds. The aim was to compare the reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. Data from two farms were used as follows: one located in Bom Retiro, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. and another in Carambeí, Paraná state. Information concerning birth, inseminations, and parity date were obtained from the management software of the farms, generating information regarding the calving interval, days between calving to first service, conception rate, and age at first calving. At one of the farms, calving was monitoring to quantify dystocia. Live weight as well as body condition score (BCS) of cows and information of culling were obtained to determine the survival rate. Data were analyzed by variance analysis and by logistic regression. Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had better reproductive performance than the Holstein cows, characterized by lower calving interval (381 vs. 445 days), higher conception rate (37.3 vs. 33.6 %), and shorter calving to first service interval (65 vs. 89 days). These results were related to a higher BCS in crossbred cows (3.63 vs. 2.94 points). Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had higher survival rate than Holstein cows on the second parity (83 vs. 92 %). No differences between genetic groups were observed (P > 0.05) for body weight and dystocia. In conclusion, Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows have better reproductive performance and higher survival rate than Holstein cows.
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Ben Zaabza H, Ben Gara A, Hammami H, Jemmali B, Ferchichi MA, Rekik B. Genetic parameters of reproductive traits in Tunisian Holsteins. Arch Anim Breed 2016. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-59-209-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. Multi-trait Bayesian procedure was used to estimate genetic parameters for reproductive traits in Tunisian Holstein cows. A total of 31 348 lactations of the calving years 2005 to 2012 were analyzed. Fertility traits were the calving interval (CI), days open (DO), days to first insemination (DFI), days from first insemination to conception (FIC), and number of inseminations per conception (NI). Posterior means of heritabilities of CI, DO, DFI, FIC, and NI were 0.047, 0.03, 0.025, 0.024, and 0.069, respectively. Posterior means of repeatabilities of the same respective traits were 0.106, 0.094, 0.051, 0.036, and 0.17. Genetic correlations among female fertility traits were also computed. Calving interval and DO had the highest genetic correlation estimate (0.85) because they have overlapping genetic meanings. The lowest genetic correlation estimate (−0.25) was found between DFI and NI. Genetic parameter estimates are low and are even lower than those reported in most literature, implying that more focus should be put upon improving the management of reproduction in dairy cattle herds in Tunisia.
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Fernandes PB, Marques KO, de Araujo Neto FR, de Oliveira DP, Hurtado-Lugo NA, Aspilcueta-Borquis RR, Tonhati H. Genetic-Quantitative Study of the First-Service Pregnancy Probability of Murrah Heifers. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:428-34. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- PB Fernandes
- Federal Institute of Science and Technology Goiano - Campus Rio Verde; Rio Verde GO Brazil
| | - KO Marques
- Federal Institute of Science and Technology Goiano - Campus Rio Verde; Rio Verde GO Brazil
| | - FR de Araujo Neto
- Federal Institute of Science and Technology Goiano - Campus Rio Verde; Rio Verde GO Brazil
| | - DP de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science; São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP); Jaboticabal GO Brazil
| | - NA Hurtado-Lugo
- Department of Animal Science; São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP); Jaboticabal GO Brazil
| | - RR Aspilcueta-Borquis
- Agrarian Science College; Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD); Dourados GO Brazil
| | - H Tonhati
- Department of Animal Science; São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP); Jaboticabal GO Brazil
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20
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Mokhtari M, Moradi Shahrbabak M, Nejati Javaremi A, Rosa G. Genetic relationship between heifers and cows fertility and milk yield traits in first-parity Iranian Holstein dairy cows. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Buaban S, Kuchida K, Suzuki M, Masuda Y, Boonkum W, Duangjinda M. Genetic analysis of the rates of conception using a longitudinal threshold model with random regression in dairy crossbreeding within a tropical environment. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:961-71. [PMID: 26556694 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to: (i) estimate genetic parameters and breeding values for conception rates (CR) using the repeatability threshold model (RP-THM) and random regression threshold models (RR-THM); and (ii) compare covariance functions for modeling the additive genetic (AG) and permanent environmental (PE) effects in the RR-THM. The CR was defined as the outcome of an insemination. A data set of 130 592 first-lactation insemination records of 55 789 Thai dairy cows, calving between 1996 and 2011, was used in the analyses. All models included fixed effects of year × month of insemination, breed × day in milk to insemination class and age at calving. The random effects consisted of herd × year interaction, service sire, PE, AG and residual. Variance components were estimated using a Bayesian method via Gibbs sampling. Heritability estimates of CR ranged from 0.032 to 0.067, 0.037 to 0.165 and 0.045 to 0.218 for RR-THM with the second, third and fourth-order of Legendre polynomials, respectively. The heritability estimated from RP-THM was 0.056. Model comparisons based on goodness of fit, predictive abilities, predicted service results of animal, and pattern of genetic parameter estimates, indicated that the model which fit the desired outcome of insemination was the RR-THM with two regression coefficients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Buaban
- The Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, Department of Livestock Development, Patumtani, KhonKaen, Thailand
| | - Keigo Kuchida
- Department of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Yutaka Masuda
- Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Wuttigrai Boonkum
- Department of Animal Science, Khon Kaen University, Meaung, KhonKaen, Thailand
| | - Monchai Duangjinda
- Department of Animal Science, Khon Kaen University, Meaung, KhonKaen, Thailand
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22
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Buaban S, Duangjinda M, Suzuki M, Masuda Y, Sanpote J, Kuchida K. Genetic relationships of fertility traits with test-day milk yield and fat-to-protein ratio in tropical smallholder dairy farms. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:627-37. [PMID: 26338376 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The test-day milk fat-to-protein ratio (TD-FPR) could serve as a measure of energy balance status and might be used as a criterion to improve metabolic stability and fertility through genetic selection. Therefore, genetic parameters for fertility traits, test-day milk yield (TD-MY) and TD-FPR, as well as, their relationships during different stages of lactation, were estimated on data collected from 25 968 primiparous Thai dairy crossbred cows. Gibbs sampling algorithms were implemented to obtain (co)variance components using both univariate linear and threshold animal models and bivariate linear-linear and linear-threshold animal models with random regression. Average TD-MY and TD-FPR were 12.60 and 1.15. Heritability estimates for TD-MY, TD-FPR and selected fertility traits ranged from 0.31 to 0.58, 0.17 to 0.19 and 0.02 to 0.05, respectively. Genetic correlations among TD-FPR and TD-MY, TD-FPR and fertility traits, and TD-MY and fertility traits ranged from 0.05 to -0.44, from -0.98 to 0.98 and -0.22 to 0.79, respectively. Selection for lower TD-FPR would decrease numbers of inseminations per conception and increase conception at first service and pregnancy within 90 days. In addition, cow selection based only on high milk production has strong effects to prolong days to first service, days open and calving interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Buaban
- The Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, Department of Livestock Development, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Monchai Duangjinda
- Department of Animal Science, Khon Kaen University, Meaung, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Yutaka Masuda
- Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Jureeratn Sanpote
- The Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, Department of Livestock Development, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Keigo Kuchida
- Department of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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Buaban S, Duangjinda M, Suzuki M, Masuda Y, Sanpote J, Kuchida K. Short communication: Genetic analysis for fertility traits of heifers and cows from smallholder dairy farms in a tropical environment. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:4990-8. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Genetic correlations among female fertility, 305-day milk yield and persistency during the first three lactations of Japanese Holstein cows. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Guo G, Guo X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang S, Li X, Liu L, Shi W, Usman T, Wang X, Du L, Zhang Q. Estimation of genetic parameters of fertility traits in Chinese Holstein cattle. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas2013-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Guo, G., Guo, X., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, S., Li, X., Liu, L., Shi, W., Usman, T., Wang, X., Du, L. and Zhang, Q. 2014. Estimation of genetic parameters of fertility traits in Chinese Holstein cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 281–285. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for fertility traits in Chinese Holstein heifers and cows. Data of 20169 animals with 42106 records over a period of 10 yr (2001–2010) were collected from Sanyuan Lvhe Dairy Cattle Center in Beijing, China. Traits included age at first service (AFS), number of services (NS), days from calving to first service (CTFS), days open (DO), and calving interval (CI). Genetic parameters were estimated with multiple-trait animal model using the DMU software. Heritability estimates for AFS, NS, CTFS, DO and CI were 0.100±0.012, 0.040±0.017, 0.034±0.011, 0.053±0.019 and 0.056±0.014, respectively. Genetic correlations between traits observed ranged from −0.13 to 0.99. Genetic correlations between AFS with NS, CTFS, DO and CI were −0.31, 0.15, −0.13 and −0.15, respectively. Calving interval was strongly correlated with NS, CTFS and DO (0.49–0.99), and DO showed strong correlation with NS and CTFS (0.49 and 0.58, respectively). The genetic correlation between CTFS and NS was negative moderate (−0.25). Results were in range with previous literature estimates and can be used in Chinese Holstein genetic evaluation for fertility traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Beijing Sanyuan Lvhe Dairy Cattle Breeding Center, Beijing 100029, China
- These authors contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Tjele 8830 Denmark
- These authors contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Yachun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xizhi Li
- Beijing Sanyuan Lvhe Dairy Cattle Breeding Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wanhai Shi
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tahir Usman
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Beijing Sanyuan Lvhe Dairy Cattle Breeding Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lixin Du
- National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Do C, Wasana N, Cho K, Choi Y, Choi T, Park B, Lee D. The effect of age at first calving and calving interval on productive life and lifetime profit in korean holsteins. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2013; 26:1511-7. [PMID: 25049735 PMCID: PMC4093818 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to estimate the effect of age at first calving and first two calving intervals on productive life and life time profit in Korean Holsteins. Reproduction data of Korean Holsteins born from 1998 to 2004 and lactation data from 276,573 cows with birth and last dry date that calved between 2000 and 2010 were used for the analysis. Lifetime profit increased with the days of life span. Regression of Life Span on Lifetime profit indicated that there was an increase of 3,800 Won (approximately $3.45) of lifetime profit per day increase in life span. This is evidence that care of each cow is necessary to improve net return and important for farms maintaining profitable cows. The estimates of heritability of age at first calving, first two calving intervals, days in milk for lifetime, lifespan, milk income and lifetime profit were 0.111, 0.088, 0.142, 0.140, 0.143, 0.123, and 0.102, respectively. The low heritabilities indicated that the productive life and economical traits include reproductive and productive characteristics. Age at first calving and interval between first and second calving had negative genetic correlation with lifetime profit (-0.080 and -0.265, respectively). Reducing age at first calving and first calving interval had a positive effect on lifetime profit. Lifetime profit increased to approximately 2,600,000 (2,363.6) from 800,000 Won ($727.3) when age at first calving decreased to (22.3 month) from (32.8 month). Results suggested that reproductive traits such as age at first calving and calving interval might affect various economical traits and consequently influenced productive life and profitability of cows. In conclusion, regard of the age at first calving must be taken with the optimum age at first calving for maximum lifetime profit being 22.5 to 23.5 months. Moreover, considering the negative genetic correlation of first calving interval with lifetime profit, it should be reduced against the present trend of increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhee Do
- Department of Animal Biosystem Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-764,
Korea
| | - Nidarshani Wasana
- Department of Animal Biosystem Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-764,
Korea
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Relationships between conception rate in Holstein heifers and cows and milk yield at various stages of lactation. Animal 2013; 7:1423-8. [PMID: 23597286 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731113000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the relationships between conception rates (CRs) at first service in Japanese Holstein heifers (i.e. animals that had not yet had their first calf) and cows and their test-day (TD) milk yields. Data included records of artificial insemination (AI) for heifers and cows that had calved for the first time between 2000 and 2008 and their TD milk yields at 6 through 305 days in milk (DIM) from first through third lactations. CR was defined as a binary trait for which first AI was a failure or success. A threshold-linear animal model was applied to estimate genetic correlations between CRs of heifers or cows and TD milk yield at various lactation stages. Two-trait genetic analyses were performed for every combination of CR and TD milk yield by using the Bayesian method with Gibbs sampling. The posterior means of the heritabilities of CR were 0.031 for heifers, 0.034 for first-lactation cows and 0.028 for second-lactation cows. Heritabilities for TD milk yield increased from 0.324 to 0.433 with increasing DIM but decreased slightly after 210 DIM during first lactation. These heritabilities from the second and third lactations were higher during late stages of lactation than during early stages. Posterior means of the genetic correlations between heifer CR and all TD yields were positive (range, 0.082 to 0.287), but those between CR of cows and milk yields during first or second lactation were negative (range, -0.121 to -0.250). Therefore, during every stage of lactation, selection in the direction of increasing milk yield may reduce CR in cows. The genetic relationships between CR and lactation curve shape were quite weak, because the genetic correlations between CR and TD milk yield were constant during the lactation period.
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Boonkum W, Misztal I, Duangjinda M, Pattarajinda V, Tumwasorn S, Buaban S. Short communication: genetic effects of heat stress on days open for Thai Holstein crossbreds. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:1592-6. [PMID: 21338825 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonality of days open (DO) for Thai crossbred Holsteins was examined and genetic effects of heat stress on DO open were determined. Data included 18,413 records for first and second parities of 12,162 cows that calved between 1990 and 2006. Least squares means for DO were estimated using a model with fixed effects of herd-year of calving, breed group based on percentage of Holstein genetics, calving month, calving age, and parity. A reaction norm model and solutions for calving month were used to calculate a heat stress index. Variance components were estimated with a multitrait random regression model. Days open were greatest for cows calving in March (summer) and fewest in October (late rainy season) for all breed groups and parities. Estimates of additive genetic and residual variances and heritability varied by calving month. Residual variances increased and additive genetic variance decreased with percentage of Holstein genetics and parity. Heritability estimates for DO ranged from 7.1 to 8.4% for first-parity cows with <87.5% Holstein genetics, 5.9 to 8.0% for 87.5 to 93.6% Holstein genetics, and 5.8 to 7.8% for ≥93.7% Holstein genetics and from 6.3 to 7.9, 4.9 to 7.3, and 4.5 to 7.7% for the corresponding breed groups for second parity. Genetic correlations between additive genetic effects on DO with and without heat stress considered were 0.43 for first-parity cows with <87.5% Holstein genetics, 0.46 for those with 87.5 to 93.6% Holstein genetics, and 0.52 for those with ≥93.7% Holstein genetics; correlations were 0.46, 0.51, and 0.55 for the corresponding breed groups for second parity. Effect of heat stress on DO was greater for second than first parity and was particularly large for cows with ≥93.7% Holstein genetics. Fewer DO can be achieved in Thailand through selective breeding of cows with <87.5% Holstein genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Boonkum
- Animal and Dairy Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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