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Roy I, Rahman M, Karunakaran M, Gayari I, Baneh H, Mandal A. Genetic relationships between reproductive and production traits in Jersey crossbred cattle. Gene 2024; 894:147982. [PMID: 37956965 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147982] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of different reproductive traits namely age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO) and number of service per conception (NSPC) and their associations with productive traits including 305-day milk yield (305DMY), total lactation milk yield (TLMY) and lactation length (LL) of Jersey crossbred cattle maintained at Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Genetic parameters of reproductive traits and their correlations with productive traits were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood method and Bayesian approach. Using both analytical approaches, the estimates of heritability for AFC, CI, DO and NSPC ranged from 0.12 -0.15, 0.05-0.08, 0.08-0.09 and 0.04-0.06, respectively. Low proportion of variances associated with permanent environmental effect of animals (c2 effect) were detected for CI (0.08-0.10), DO (0.09-0.11) and NSPC (0.05-0.06) in both the methods. Repeatability measures for all the reproductive traits considered in this study were low to moderate in nature, which ranged from 0.09 to 0.17. Genetic correlations between different reproductive traits were positive and low (0.05) to high (0.98) in magnitude except AFC-NSPC. Low and negative genetic correlations of AFC with 305DMY and TLMY were favourable and indicated animals with high milk yield had early age of maturity. Positive genetic correlations between CI, DO and NSPC with all production traits implied the antagonism relationships among these traits, therefore in any breeding program for improvement of production traits via selection, the reproductive traits should be taken into account as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Roy
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, 741235 West Bengal, India
| | - Mokidur Rahman
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, 741235 West Bengal, India
| | - M Karunakaran
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, 741235 West Bengal, India
| | - Indrajit Gayari
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, 741235 West Bengal, India
| | - Hasan Baneh
- Project Center for Agro Technologies, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), Moscow 121125, Russia
| | - Ajoy Mandal
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, 741235 West Bengal, India.
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Asim M, Saif-Ur Rehman M, Hassan FU, Awan FS. Genetic variants of CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN3, and BLG genes and their association with dairy production traits in Sahiwal cattle and Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2951-2962. [PMID: 36165734 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2126365] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Milk protein genes are associated with milk yield and composition in dairy animals. The present study aimed to identify milk protein genes (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN3, and BLG) genetic variants and their association with milk yield in Sahiwal cattle and Nili-Ravi buffaloes. One hundred animals from each species were selected to collect blood samples and milk production records. Primers were designed for these milk protein genes for PCR amplification. Sequencing of resultant PCR products revealed a higher number of SNPs (13 vs. 7, 5 vs. 1, and 6 vs. 2) in Sahiwal as compared to Nili-Ravi animals in CSN1S1, CSN2, and CSN3 genes, respectively. However, a single SNP was observed in BLG gene of both species. Association analysis revealed that one SNP in BLG gene of Nili-Ravi was associated (p < 0.05) with 305-day milk yield. Two SNPs at CSN1S1 gene in Sahiwal were associated with dry-period. Similarly, one SNP at CSN1S1 and two SNPs at CSN3 gene showed significant association (p < 0.05) with average calving-interval in Sahiwal while two SNPs in CSN1S1 gene were associated (p < 0.05) with this trait in Nili-Ravi. These SNPs could be helpful as candidate variants for marker-assisted selection in cattle and buffaloes for improvement of lactation performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Faiz-Ul Hassan
- Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Saeed Awan
- Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Sawicka-Zugaj W, Chabuz W, Kasprzak-Filipek K. The Role of Reproduction and Genetic Variation in Polish White-Backed Cows in the Breed Restoration Process. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2790. [PMID: 37685054 PMCID: PMC10486713 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172790] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Local breeds are the main reservoir of biodiversity of farm animals. According to FAO, they account for 87% of all described breeds in the world. To ensure that they are adequately protected, they should be continually monitored for genetic variation. Another crucial factor is reproduction, which is the most important guarantee of population growth. In the present study, genetic variation in 372 Polish White-Backed cows was determined using DNA microsatellite sequences, taking into account their parentage. Reproductive parameters were analysed as well, based on data from 3658 lactations of 1128 Polish White-Backed cows. The results indicate that despite the small initial population and the implementation of a moderate selection of animals, the existing population of Polish White-Backed cattle has a high level of genetic variation, reflected in the degree of heterozygosity (0.761). Regarding reproductive traits, despite their late age at first calving, Polish White-Backed cows were shown to be distinguished by very good fertility parameters in comparison to other breeds raised in Poland. These findings not only confirm the value of protecting local cattle breeds around the world but may also be of importance in developing selection indices for highly productive breeds, in which reproductive functioning should be one of the most important factors considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Witold Chabuz
- Department of Cattle Breeding and Genetic Resources Conservation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (W.S.-Z.); (K.K.-F.)
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Gowane GR, Alex R, Mukherjee A, Vohra V. Impact and utility of shallow pedigree using single-step genomic BLUP for prediction of unbiased genomic breeding values. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:339. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Otwinowska-Mindur A, Ptak E, Jagusiak W, Zarnecki A. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Female Fertility Traits in the Polish Holstein-Friesian Population. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121485. [PMID: 35739822 PMCID: PMC9219430 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121485] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Female fertility is an important functional trait in dairy cattle. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for some fertility traits of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The results indicate that a few analyzed traits could be of use in genetic evaluation of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the analyzed fertility traits of Polish Holstein-Friesian primiparous and multiparous cows, as a step toward the incorporation of new traits into routine genetic evaluation. Lactation records of 116,836 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were studied. The records cover the first three lactations of all cows. The cows, daughters of 2884 sires, were calved from 2006 to 2020. The conception rate for heifers (CRh) and for cows in the second (CR2) and third parity (CR3), the interval from first calving to first insemination (CTFI), the days open (DO), and the interval from first to successful insemination for heifers (FSh) and for cows in second (FS2) and third (FS3) parity were analyzed. The BLUPf90 package and a Bayesian method via Gibbs sampling were used to estimate (co)variance components. In general, all heritabilities were low and ranged from 0.013 (CTFI) to 0.038 (FS2). The heritability of conception rate and interval from first to successful insemination was slightly lower for heifers than for cows. Genetic correlations were moderate to high with two exceptions: correlation of CTFI with CRh (0.033) and with FSh (−0.051). The results indicate that a few analyzed traits could be used in genetic evaluation of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. It is suggested to complement the selection index with traits for both heifers and cows, such as the interval from first to successful insemination (i.e., FSh, FS2 and FS3), in order to enable effective improvement of female fertility scores in the Polish Holstein-Friesian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Otwinowska-Mindur
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Ptak
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Jagusiak
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Zarnecki
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, ul. Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland
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Ghiasi H, Piwczyński D, Sitkowska B, González-Recio O. New composite traits for joint improvement of milk and fertility trait in Holstein dairy cow. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1303-1308. [PMID: 33677907 PMCID: PMC8255887 DOI: 10.5713/ab.20.0600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to define a new composite trait for Holstein dairy cows and evaluate the possibility of joint improvement in milk and fertility traits. METHODS A data set consisting 35,882 fertility related records (days open [DO], calving interval [CI], and number of services per conception [NSC], and total milk yield in each lactation [TMY]) was collected from 1998 to 2016 in Polish Holstein-Friesian breed herds. In this study TMY, DO, CI, and lactation length of each cow was used to obtain composite milk and fertility traits (CMF). RESULTS Moderate heritability (0.15) was estimated for composite trait that was higher than heritability of female fertility related traits: DO 0.047, CI 0.042, and NSC 0.014, and slightly lower than heritability of TMY 0.19. Favourable genetic correlations (-0.87) were estimated between CMF with TMY. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between breeding value of CMF with DO, CI, and TMY were high (>0.94) but with NSC were moderate (0.64). Selection on CMF caused favourable correlated genetic gains for DO, CI, and TMY. Different selection indices with different emphasis on fertility and milk production were constructed. The amount of correlated genetic gains obtained for DO and total milk production according to selection in CMF were higher than of genetic gains obtained for DO and TMY in selection indices with different emphasis on milk and fertility. CONCLUSION The animal selection only based on a composite trait - CMF proposed in current study would simultaneously lead to favourable genetic gains for both milk and fertility related traits. In this situation CMF introduced in current study can be used to overcome to limitations of selection index and CMF could be useful for countries that have problems in recording traits, especially functional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heydar Ghiasi
- Payame Noor University, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Department of Animal Science, Tehran P.O.Box 19395-3697,
Iran
| | - Dariusz Piwczyński
- UTP University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz,
Poland
| | - Beata Sitkowska
- UTP University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz,
Poland
| | - Oscar González-Recio
- Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Department of Animal Breeding, Madrid, 28040,
Spain
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Abdalla H, Elghafghuf A, Elsohaby I. Evaluating sire effects on cow fertility: Timed AI and repeat-breeder dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 209:106147. [PMID: 31514918 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this single herd observational study, there is investigation of the effects of 81 sires (with 11,424 artificial inseminations) on conception rates in 1790 Holstein cows for 5 years. Sires were catagorized based on the published sire conception rate (SCR) into different sire fertility groups (low, average and high fertility sires). The performance of different-sire fertility groups was assessed in timed artificial insemination (TAI) and repeat-breeder (RB) cows. With this aim, two logistic regression models with sire, inseminator, cow, and lactation random effects were applied to data on pregnancies assessed at days 30 and 70 post-insemination. Fixed effects of sire fertility group, sire breed, cow-fertility status, insemination type, postpartum problems, milk yield, temperature humidity index, and year were evaluated. Results from the analysis indicated there was a significant individual sire effect on conception rates, and large heterogeneity in values for this variable among sires. Results indicate that SCR could be assessed to predict low fertility sires reasonably well, and the predicted probabilities for pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 30 and 70 days post-insemination for high fertility sires were consistent for the most part with values for the SCR. The sire breed did not affect conception rates at days 30 and 70 post-insemination nor its interactions with insemination type (estrous detection AI (EDAI) compared with TAI) and cow-fertility status (RB compared with non-RB). Predicting response probabilities for sires with at least 100 inseminations in each insemination group resulted in greater conception probabilities in cows in which there was EDAI than those in the TAI group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Abdalla
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, 44511, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Adel Elghafghuf
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Misurata, P.O. Box 2478, Misurata, Libya
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, 44511, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
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Rodríguez‐Bermúdez R, Fouz R, Miranda M, Orjales I, Minervino AHH, López‐Alonso M. Organic or conventional dairy farming in northern Spain: Impacts on cow reproductive performance. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:902-911. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rodríguez‐Bermúdez
- Departamento de Patoloxía Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | | | - Marta Miranda
- Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | - Inmaculada Orjales
- Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | | | - Marta López‐Alonso
- Departamento de Patoloxía Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish different single or multiple trait selection indices to calculate genetic and economic gains by combining some production, reproduction and udder health traits in a population similar to the overall practical situation in Iran, with and without imposing restrictions on genetic change for some traits. The SelAction software was used to perform the analyses based on selection index theory through a deterministic model. Results indicated that among established indices, the index that showed the highest genetic gain for milk yield did not maximize the total genetic and economic gains. Rather, the index that included all production, reproduction and udder health traits yielded the highest genetic and economic gains. When we placed restriction on the selection indices, the economic gain decreased and the amount of reduction depended on the heritability and the correlation of restricted trait(s) with other traits. Generally, regarding the economic genetic gain per generation, the indices based on records of 200 offspring were 4.819% more efficient than those that used information of 100 offspring.
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Ruiz-Larrañaga O, Langa J, Rendo F, Manzano C, Iriondo M, Estonba A. Genomic selection signatures in sheep from the Western Pyrenees. Genet Sel Evol 2018; 50:9. [PMID: 29566643 PMCID: PMC5865298 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-018-0378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current large spectrum of sheep phenotypic diversity results from the combined product of sheep selection for different production traits such as wool, milk and meat, and its natural adaptation to new environments. In this study, we scanned the genome of 25 Sasi Ardi and 75 Latxa sheep from the Western Pyrenees for three types of regions under selection: (1) regions underlying local adaptation of Sasi Ardi semi-feral sheep, (2) regions related to a long traditional dairy selection pressure in Latxa sheep, and (3) regions experiencing the specific effect of the modern genetic improvement program established for the Latxa breed during the last three decades. RESULTS Thirty-two selected candidate regions including 147 annotated genes were detected by using three statistical parameters: pooled heterozygosity H, Tajima's D, and Wright's fixation index Fst. For Sasi Ardi sheep, chromosomes Ovis aries (OAR)4, 6, and 22 showed the strongest signals and harbored several candidate genes related to energy metabolism and morphology (BBS9, ELOVL3 and LDB1), immunity (NFKB2), and reproduction (H2AFZ). The major genomic difference between Sasi Ardi and Latxa sheep was on OAR6, which is known to affect milk production, with highly selected regions around the ABCG2, SPP1, LAP3, NCAPG, LCORL, and MEPE genes in Latxa sheep. The effect of the modern genetic improvement program on Latxa sheep was also evident on OAR15, on which several olfactory genes are located. We also detected several genes involved in reproduction such as ESR1 and ZNF366 that were affected by this selection program. CONCLUSIONS Natural and artificial selection have shaped the genome of both Sasi Ardi and Latxa sheep. Our results suggest that Sasi Ardi traits related to energy metabolism, morphological, reproductive, and immunological features have been under positive selection to adapt this semi-feral sheep to its particular environment. The highly selected Latxa sheep for dairy production showed clear signatures of selection in genomic regions related to milk production. Furthermore, our data indicate that the selection criteria applied in the modern genetic improvement program affect immunity and reproduction traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otsanda Ruiz-Larrañaga
- Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Jorge Langa
- Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Fernando Rendo
- Genetics, Sequencing and Genotyping Unit, Advanced Research Facilities (SGIker), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Carmen Manzano
- Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Mikel Iriondo
- Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Andone Estonba
- Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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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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Meraï A, Dattena M, Casu S, Rekik M, Lassoued N. High-milking sheep have a lower ovulation rate and tend to yield fewer embryos in response to superovulation and intrauterine artificial insemination. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:814-818. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Meraï
- Animal Science Department; National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia; University of Carthage; Tunis Tunisia
| | - M Dattena
- Agris-Sardegna Servizio Ricerca per la Zootecnica; Olmedo (SS) Italy
| | - S Casu
- Agris-Sardegna Servizio Ricerca per la Zootecnica; Olmedo (SS) Italy
| | - M Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA); ICARDA-Jordan Office; Amman Jordan
| | - N Lassoued
- Laboratoire des Productions Animales et Fourragères; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie; Ariana Tunisia
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Macciotta NP, Dimauro C, Rassu SP, Steri R, Pulina G. The mathematical description of lactation curves in dairy cattle. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2011.e51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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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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Malchiodi F, Cecchinato A, Bittante G. Fertility traits of purebred Holsteins and 2- and 3-breed crossbred heifers and cows obtained from Swedish Red, Montbéliarde, and Brown Swiss sires. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:7916-26. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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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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Wolcott ML, Johnston DJ, Barwick SA. Genetic relationships of female reproduction with growth, body composition, maternal weaning weight and tropical adaptation in two tropical beef genotypes. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/an13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The genetic relationships of female reproduction with growth and body composition, tropical adaptation traits and maternal weaning weight (descriptive of genetic potential milk production) were estimated in 1027 Brahman (BRAH) and 1132 Tropical Composite (TCOMP) females. Female reproduction was evaluated at puberty, as outcomes of the first and second annual mating periods (Mating 1 and Mating 2, which commenced when females averaged 27 and 39 months of age, respectively), as well as annual averages over up to six matings. Traits evaluated included age at puberty, Mating 1 and 2 pregnancy rate, weaning rate and days to calving, and lifetime annual calving and weaning rate. Traits describing growth and body composition (liveweight, hip height, ultrasound-scanned P8 fat depth and eye muscle area, subjective body condition score and blood IGF-I concentration) were measured in the animals as heifers (at ~18 months of age), and again at the start of Mating 2. Traits describing tropical adaptation included coat-length scores in both genotypes and, in BRAH, buffalo fly lesion scores.
Previously reported analyses of these data identified heifer IGF-I and coat and buffalo-fly-lesion scores as potential genetic indicators for age at puberty in BRAH. The results of the present study found that exploiting these relationships would have no unfavourable genetic consequences for later female reproduction and, in some cases, may be indicators of female reproduction, when evaluated as outcomes of Matings 1 or 2, or as lifetime annual calving or weaning rates. For BRAH, heifer liveweight was a genetic indicator for Mating 1 weaning rate (rg = 0.70), and, while standard errors were high, there were also positive genetic correlations of heifer hip height, eye muscle area and blood IGF-I concentration with Mating 1 weaning rate (rg = 0.61, 0.58 and 0.43, respectively). For TCOMP, significant genetic relationships of heifer growth, body composition and tropical adaptation traits with female reproduction were virtually absent, suggesting that there is less opportunity to identify earlier in life measures as genetic indicators of reproduction for this genotype. Higher maternal weaning weight was significantly genetically related to lower lifetime annual weaning rate (rg = –0.50) in BRAH, and with lower Mating 2 calving and weaning rate (rg = –0.72 and –0.59, respectively) in TCOMP, which will need to be considered when making selection decisions that affect genetic milk in these genotypes. Importantly, the results presented revealed no strong genetic antagonisms of heifer growth and body composition traits with female reproduction, suggesting that selection could be undertaken to improve these simultaneously.
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Ghiasi H, Nejati-Javaremi A, Pakdel A, González-Recio O. Selection strategies for fertility traits of Holstein cows in Iran. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
This study evaluated different female-selective genotyping strategies to increase the predictive accuracy of genomic breeding values (GBVs) in populations that have a limited number of sires with a large number of progeny. A simulated dairy population was utilized to address the aims of the study. The following selection strategies were used: random selection, two-tailed selection by yield deviations, two-tailed selection by breeding value, top yield deviation selection and top breeding value selection. For comparison, two other strategies, genotyping of sires and pedigree indexes from traditional genetic evaluation, were included in the analysis. Two scenarios were simulated, low heritability (h 2 = 0.10) and medium heritability (h 2 = 0.30). GBVs were estimated using the Bayesian Lasso. The accuracy of predicted GBVs using the two-tailed strategies was better than the accuracy obtained using other strategies (0.50 and 0.63 for the two-tailed selection by yield deviations strategy and 0.48 and 0.63 for the two-tailed selection by breeding values strategy in low- and medium-heritability scenarios, respectively, using 1000 genotyped cows). When 996 genotyped bulls were used as the training population, the sire' strategy led to accuracies of 0.48 and 0.55 for low- and medium-heritability traits, respectively. The Random strategies required larger training populations to outperform the accuracies of the pedigree index; however, selecting females from the top of the yield deviations or breeding values of the population did not improve accuracy relative to that of the pedigree index. Bias was found for all genotyping strategies considered, although the Top strategies produced the most biased predictions. Strategies that involve genotyping cows can be implemented in breeding programs that have a limited number of sires with a reliable progeny test. The results of this study showed that females that exhibited upper and lower extreme values within the distribution of yield deviations may be included as training population to increase reliability in small reference populations. The strategies that selected only the females that had high estimated breeding values or yield deviations produced suboptimal results.
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González-Recio O, Ugarte E, Bach A. Trans-generational effect of maternal lactation during pregnancy: a Holstein cow model. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51816. [PMID: 23284777 PMCID: PMC3527476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation in mammals begins in the first stages of embryogenesis. This prenatal programming determines, in part, phenotype expression in adult life. Some species, particularly dairy cattle, are conceived during the maternal lactation, which is a period of large energy and nutrient needs. Under these circumstances, embryo and fetal development compete for nutrients with the mammary gland, which may affect prenatal programming and predetermine phenotype at adulthood. Data from a specialized dairy breed were used to determine the transgenerational effect when embryo development coincides with maternal lactation. Longitudinal phenotypic data for milk yield (kg), ratio of fat-protein content in milk during first lactation, and lifespan (d) from 40,065 cows were adjusted for environmental and genetic effects using a Bayesian framework. Then, the effect of different maternal circumstances was determined on the residuals. The maternal-related circumstances were 1) presence of lactation, 2) maternal milk yield level, and 3) occurrence of mastitis during embryogenesis. Females born to mothers that were lactating while pregnant produced 52 kg (MonteCarlo standard error; MCs.e. = 0.009) less milk, lived 16 d (MCs.e. = 0.002) shorter and were metabolically less efficient (+0.42% milk fat/protein ratio; MCs.e.<0.001) than females whose fetal life developed in the absence of maternal lactation. The greater the maternal milk yield during embryogenesis, the larger the negative effects of prenatal programming, precluding the offspring born to the most productive cows to fully express their potential additive genetic merit during their adult life. Our data provide substantial evidence of transgenerational effect when pregnancy and lactation coincide. Although this effect is relatively low, it should not be ignored when formulating rations for lactating and pregnant cows. Furthermore, breeding, replacement, and management strategies should also take into account whether the individuals were conceived during maternal lactation because, otherwise, their performance may deviate from what it could be expected.
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Strucken EM, Bortfeldt RH, Tetens J, Thaller G, Brockmann GA. Genetic effects and correlations between production and fertility traits and their dependency on the lactation-stage in Holstein Friesians. BMC Genet 2012; 13:108. [PMID: 23244492 PMCID: PMC3561121 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-13-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study focused on the dynamics of genome-wide effects on five milk production and eight fertility traits as well as genetic correlations between the traits. For 2,405 Holstein Friesian bulls, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were used. The production traits were additionally assessed in 10-day intervals over the first 60 lactation days, as this stage is physiologically the most crucial time in milk production. Results SNPs significantly affecting the EBVs of the production traits could be separated into three groups according to the development of the size of allele effects over time: 1) increasing effects for all traits; 2) decreasing effects for all traits; and 3) increasing effects for all traits except fat yield. Most of the significant markers were found within 22 haplotypes spanning on average 135,338 bp. The DGAT1 region showed high density of significant markers, and thus, haplotype blocks. Further functional candidate genes are proposed for haplotype blocks of significant SNPs (KLHL8, SICLEC12, AGPAT6 and NID1). Negative genetic correlations were found between yield and fertility traits, whilst content traits showed positive correlations with some fertility traits. Genetic correlations became stronger with progressing lactation. When correlations were estimated within genotype classes, correlations were on average 0.1 units weaker between production and fertility traits when the yield increasing allele was present in the genotype. Conclusions This study provides insight into the expression of genetic effects during early lactation and suggests possible biological explanations for the presented time-dependent effects. Even though only three markers were found with effects on fertility, the direction of genetic correlations within genotype classes between production and fertility traits suggests that alleles increasing the milk production do not affect fertility in a more negative way compared to the decreasing allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Strucken
- Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, Berlin, 10115, Germany
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Tiezzi F, Maltecca C, Cecchinato A, Penasa M, Bittante G. Genetic parameters for fertility of dairy heifers and cows at different parities and relationships with production traits in first lactation. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:7355-62. [PMID: 23063160 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for fertility of Brown Swiss cattle, considering reproductive measures in different parities as different traits, and to estimate relationships between production traits of first lactation and fertility of heifers and first-parity and second-parity cows. Reproductive indicators were interval from parturition to first service, interval from first service to conception, interval from parturition to conception, number of inseminations to conception, conception rate at first service, and nonreturn rate at 56 d after first service. Production traits were peak milk yield (pMY), lactation milk yield, and lactation length (LL). Data included 37,546 records on heifers, and 24,098 and 15,653 records on first- and second-parity cows, respectively. Cows were reared in 2,035 herds, calved from 1999 to 2007, and were progeny of 527 AI bulls. Gibbs sampling was implemented to obtain (co)variance components using both univariate and bivariate threshold and censored linear sire models. Estimates of heritability for reproductive traits in heifers (0.016 to 0.026) were lower than those in first-parity (0.017 to 0.142) and second-parity (0.026 to 0.115) cows. Genetic correlations for fertility in first- and second-parity cows were very high (>0.920), whereas those between heifers and lactating cows were moderate (0.348 to 0.709). The latter result indicates that fertility in heifers is a different trait than fertility in lactating cows, and hence it cannot be used as robust indicator of cow fertility. Heifer fertility was not related to production traits in first lactation (genetic correlations between -0.215 and 0.251). Peak milk yield exerted a moderate and unfavorable effect on the interval from parturition to first service (genetic correlations of 0.414 and 0.353 after first and second calving, respectively), and a low and unfavorable effect on other fertility traits (genetic correlations between -0.281 and 0.295). Infertility after first calving caused a strong elongation of the lactation, and LL was negatively correlated with fertility of cows after second calving, so that LL can itself be regarded as a measure of fertility. Lactation milk yield depends on both pMY and LL, and, as such, is a cause and consequence of (in)fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tiezzi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Tiezzi F, Maltecca C, Penasa M, Cecchinato A, Chang Y, Bittante G. Genetic analysis of fertility in the Italian Brown Swiss population using different models and trait definitions. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:6162-72. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Blöttner S, Heins BJ, Wensch-Dorendorf M, Hansen LB, Swalve HH. Short communication: A comparison between purebred Holstein and Brown Swiss × Holstein cows for milk production, somatic cell score, milking speed, and udder measurements in the first 3 lactations. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:5212-6. [PMID: 21943771 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Brown Swiss × Holstein (BS × HO) crossbred cows (n = 55) and purebred Holstein (HO) cows (n = 50) were compared for milk yield, fat and protein production, somatic cell score, milking speed, and udder measurements for the first 3 lactations. Cows from a designed experiment were housed in a freestall barn at the experimental station of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and calved from July 2005 to August 2008. Best prediction was used to determine actual production for 305-d lactations from test-day observations. For the first 3 lactations, BS × HO cows and HO cows were not significantly different for milk yield, fat and protein production, or SCS. Average milking time was significantly longer for BS × HO cows than for HO cows for first, second, and third lactations by 35, 51, and 30s, respectively. Average milking speed expressed as average yield per minute was significantly lower for BS × HO cows than for HO cows for the first 3 lactations by 0.19, 0.35, and 0.19 kg/min, respectively. Front and rear teats were significantly longer for BS × HO cows than for HO cows. Furthermore, front and rear udder clearance was significantly lower for BS × HO cows compared with HO cows in first and second lactations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Blöttner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, University of Halle, 06099 Halle, Germany
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Fine Mapping of a QTL for Fertility on BTA7 and Its Association With a CNV in the Israeli Holsteins. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2011; 1:65-74. [PMID: 22384319 PMCID: PMC3276122 DOI: 10.1534/g3.111.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting female fertility, scored as the inverse of the number of inseminations to conception, on Bos taurus chromosome 7 was detected by a daughter design analysis of the Israeli Holstein population (P < 0.0003). Sires of five of the 10 families analyzed were heterozygous for the QTL. The 95% confidence interval of the QTL spans 27 cM from the centromere. Seven hundred and four SNP markers on the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip within the QTL confidence interval were tested for concordance. A single SNP, NGS-58779, was heterozygous for all the five QTL heterozygous patriarchs, and homozygous for the remaining five QTL homozygous sires. A significant effect on fertility was associated with this marker in the sample of 900 sires genotyped (P < 10−6). Haplotype phase was the same for four of the five segregating sires. Thus concordance was obtained in nine of the ten families. We identified a common haplotype region associated with the rare and economically favorable allele of the SNP, spanning 270 kbp on BTA7 upstream to 4.72 Mbp. Eleven genes found in the common haplotype region should be considered as positional candidates for the identification of the causative quantitative trait nucleotide. Copy number variation was found in one of these genes, KIAA1683. Four gene variants were identified, but only the number of copies of a specific variant (V1) was significantly associated with breeding values of sires for fertility.
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Sewalem A, Kistemaker G, Miglior F. Relationship between female fertility and production traits in Canadian Holsteins. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:4427-34. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tsousis G, Sharifi R, Hoedemaker M. Associations between the clinical signs of chronic endometritis with ovarian cysts and body condition loss in German Holstein Friesian cows. J Vet Sci 2010; 10:337-41. [PMID: 19934600 PMCID: PMC2807271 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2009.10.4.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective field study was to associate the type and smell of discharge, the size of the uterus, the ovarian and treatment status, and the time to diagnosis of animals with chronic clinical endometritis (CCE) with the incidence of ovarian cysts and with a marked loss in body condition in German Holstein Friesian cows. Two hundred and sixty-four cows diagnosed with CCE from day 14 to day 42 postpartum participated in this study. In addition, 100 days milk production and the parity of the animals were included in the analysis. With the use of logistic regression, a purulent vaginal discharge (>/= 50% pus), the decision not to treat the animals for CCE and a high 100 days milk production proved to be significant factors for the incidence of ovarian cysts. Additionally, the type of discharge showed interactions with the parity and the smell of the discharge, as more animals with fetid and purulent discharge and more animals in the first lactation with a purulent discharge developed ovarian cysts. A high milk production and the parity showed associations with an excessive body condition score loss. Additionally, more animals with a diagnosis of an oversized uterus in comparison to cows with an early involution experienced a considerable reduction in their nutritional condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsousis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Voutyra str. 11, 54627 Greece.
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Comparison on models for genetic evaluation of non-return rate and success in first insemination of the Danish Holstein cows. Livest Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Maltecca C, Parker KL, Cassandro M. Accomplishments and new challenges in dairy genetic evaluations. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2010.e68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Sun C, Madsen P, Lund MS, Zhang Y, Nielsen US, Su G. Improvement in genetic evaluation of female fertility in dairy cattle using multiple-trait models including milk production traits. J Anim Sci 2009; 88:871-8. [PMID: 19966172 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the improvement in genetic evaluation of fertility traits by using production traits as secondary traits (MILK = 305-d milk yield, FAT = 305-d fat yield, and PROT = 305-d protein yield). Data including 471,742 records from first lactations of Denmark Holstein cows, covering the years of inseminations during first lactations from 1995 to 2004, were analyzed. Six fertility traits (i.e., interval in days from calving to first insemination, calving interval, days open, interval in days from first to last insemination, numbers of inseminations per conception, and nonreturn rate within 56 d after first service) were analyzed using single- and multiple-trait sire models including 1 or 3 production traits. Model stability was evaluated by correlation between EBV from 2 sub-data sets (DATA(A) and DATA(B)). Model predictive ability was assessed by the correlation between EBV from training data (DATA(A) or DATA(B)) and daughter performance (yield deviation, defined as average of daughter-records adjusted for nongenetic effects) from test data (DATA(B) or DATA(A)) in a cross-validation procedure, and correlation between EBV obtained from the whole data set (DATA(T)) and from a reduced data set (DATA(C1), which only contained the first crop daughters) for proven bulls. In addition, the superiority of the models was evaluated by expected reliability of EBV, calculated from the prediction error variance of EBV. Based on these criteria, the models combining milk production traits showed better model stability and predictive ability than single-trait models for all the fertility traits, except for nonreturn rate within 56 d after first service. The stability and predictive ability for the model including MILK or PROT were similar to the model including all 3 milk production traits and better than the model including FAT. In addition, it was found that single-trait models underestimated genetic trend of fertility traits. These results suggested that genetic evaluation of fertility traits would be improved using a multiple-trait model including MILK or PROT.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sun
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Carta A, Casu S, Salaris S. Invited review: Current state of genetic improvement in dairy sheep. J Dairy Sci 2009; 92:5814-33. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tsousis G, Sharifi AR, Hoedemaker M. Increased risk of conception failure in German Holstein Friesian cows with chronic endometritis. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:1114-7. [PMID: 19694984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01481.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective field study was to evaluate the effect of chronic clinical endometritis (CCE) on days open in German Holstein Friesian cows. Two hundred and sixty-four cows diagnosed with CCE from day 14 to 42 postpartum were included in this study. A Cox’s proportional hazards regression model with stepwise forward selection for days open was used and the variables type of vaginal discharge, ovarian cysts and a marked loss of body condition score proved to be significant with hazard ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 1.9 respectively. Although not remaining in the model, a weak positive effect of treatment for CCE and a negative effect of high milk production could also be found in the univariate analysis. These results suggest that the suppression of fertility of animals diagnosed with CCE varies according to the different symptoms, which could be used to support decisions regarding treatment. Management factors such as a marked loss in body condition and high milk production prolonged the number of days open of animals with CCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tsousis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Tsuruta S, Misztal I, Huang C, Lawlor T. Bivariate analysis of conception rates and test-day milk yields in Holsteins using a threshold-linear model with random regressions. J Dairy Sci 2009; 92:2922-30. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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David I, Astruc JM, Lagriffoul G, Manfredi E, Robert-Granié C, Bodin L. Genetic correlation between female fertility and milk yield in Lacaune sheep. J Dairy Sci 2009; 91:4047-52. [PMID: 18832231 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A total of 416,670 lactations for 189,101 ewes from 3,603 sires and distributed across 1,978 herd-year groups were used to estimate genetic and environmental parameters of standardized milk yield (SMY(T)), fertility in ewe lambs (PR(1)), and fertility in adult ewes (PR(A)). Parameters were estimated with a multiple-trait sire linear model. Heritabilities for SMY(T), PR(1), and PR(A) were 0.27 (0.009), 0.04 (0.004), and 0.05 (0.004), respectively. These results were in accordance with the literature. The genetic correlation between PR(1) and PR(A) was 0.55, indicating that fertility is not the same trait in ewe lambs and adult ewes. The genetic correlation between milk yield and lamb fertility was not significantly different from zero. The genetic correlation between milk yield and fertility in adult ewe (-0.23) was in the range of antagonistic correlations reported in dairy cattle. Consequently, these results show that selection for milk yield can induce an indirect decrease in fertility. Nevertheless, no phenotypic decrease in fertility in artificial insemination matings has been observed in this population. This is the first time that correlation between milk yield and fertility is reported in sheep and further investigations are needed to confirm this result.
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Affiliation(s)
- I David
- INRA UR 631, Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, Castanet-Tolosan, France
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Abstract
Modeling extended lactations for the US Holsteins is useful because a majority (>55%) of the cows in the present population produce lactations longer than 305 d. In this study, 9 empirical and mechanistic models were compared for their suitability for modeling 305-d and 999-d lactations of US Holsteins. A pooled data set of 4,266,597 test-day yields from 427,657 (305-d complete) lactation records from the AIPL-USDA database was used for model fitting. The empirical models included Wood (WD), Wilmink (WIL), Rook (RK), monophasic (MONO), diphasic (DIPH), and lactation persistency (LPM) functions; Dijkstra (DJ), Pollott (POL), and new-multiphasic (MULT) models comprised the mechanistic counterparts. Each model was separately tested on 305-d (>280 days in milk) and 999-d (>800 days in milk) lactations for cows in first parity and those in third and greater parities. All models were found to produce a significant fit for all 4 scenarios (2 parity groups and 2 lactation lengths). However, the resulting parameter estimates for the 4 scenarios were different. All models except MONO, DIPH, and LPM yielded residuals with absolute values smaller than 2 kg for the entire period of the 305-d lactations. For the extended lactations, the prediction errors were larger. However, the RK, DJ, POL, and MULT models were able to predict daily yield within a +/- 3 kg range for the entire 999-d period. The POL and MULT models (having 6 and 12 parameters, respectively) produced the lowest mean square error and Bayesian information criteria values, although the differences from the other models were small. Conversely, POL and MULT were often associated with poor convergence and highly correlated, unreliable, or biologically atypical parameter estimates. Considering the computational problems of large mechanistic models and the relative predictive ability of the other models, smaller models such as RK, DJ, and WD were recommended as sufficient for modeling extended lactations unless mechanistic details on the extended curves are needed. The recommended models were also satisfactory in describing fat and protein yields of 305-d and 999-d lactations of all parities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M B Dematawewa
- Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24060, USA.
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