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Genetic parameters for yield, intake, liveweight and condition score in Holstein heifers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2021

R.F. Veerkamp
Affiliation:
Genetics and Behavioural Sciences Dept, SAC Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland
S. Brotherstone
Affiliation:
Inst. of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, Univ. of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, Scotland
W.G. Hill
Affiliation:
Inst. of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, Univ. of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, Scotland
G. Simm
Affiliation:
Genetics and Behavioural Sciences Dept, SAC Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland
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Extract

In many countries there has been an interest in including measures of liveweight and/or size in dairy cattle breeding goals, with the main aim of decreasing food costs. Whilst opinions about the right size of a dairy cow seem to differ among countries, it has been argued that because of the strong associations between liveweight, intake(-capacity) and condition score, the whole complex of these traits should be considered simultaneously (Veerkamp 1996). To do so, genetic parameters (and economic values) are required. Hence, the objective of this study is to estimate genetic parameters for yield, food intake, liveweight and condition score in first lactation heifers.

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Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1997

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References

Groeneveld, E. 1996. REML VCE A multivariate multi model restricted maximum likelihood (co) variance component estimation package. Version 3.2 User's guide. FAL, Mariensee, Germany.Google Scholar
Veerkamp, R.F. 1996. Liveweight and feed intake in dairy cattle breeding goal. Proc. International workshop on functional traits in cattle. Gembloux, Belgium, 21-23 January, Interbull bulletin no. 12, pp. 173178.Google Scholar