Abstract
Udder conformation is an important trait in dairy cattle breeding because of its relation to milk production (Short and Lawlor, 1992), udder health (Samoré and Groen, 2006) and longevity (Vollema et al., 2000). Breeding values for udder conformation are usually estimated based on udder traits scored by classifiers which show substantial heritability. Alternatively, udder conformation traits can be derived from teat coordinates recorded by automatic milking systems (AMS).
Advantages of deriving udder conformation traits from AMS records as compared to classification scores are that AMS records are more objective, they are recorded every day, and records of not only heifers, but also of older cows are available. Carlström et al. (2016) and Byskov et al. (2012) showed that heritabilities of udder conformation traits derived from AMS records were higher
than heritabilities of udder conformation traits scored by classifiers, and both studies showed that the genetic correlation between the two was close to unity. In both studies only data on first parity cows was used. However, AMS records teat coordinates of all visiting cows, including later parities.Aim of the study was to estimate genetic parameters of udder conformation derived from A S
information in first and higher parities as well as genetic correlation between
parities.
Advantages of deriving udder conformation traits from AMS records as compared to classification scores are that AMS records are more objective, they are recorded every day, and records of not only heifers, but also of older cows are available. Carlström et al. (2016) and Byskov et al. (2012) showed that heritabilities of udder conformation traits derived from AMS records were higher
than heritabilities of udder conformation traits scored by classifiers, and both studies showed that the genetic correlation between the two was close to unity. In both studies only data on first parity cows was used. However, AMS records teat coordinates of all visiting cows, including later parities.Aim of the study was to estimate genetic parameters of udder conformation derived from A S
information in first and higher parities as well as genetic correlation between
parities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 11th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production |
| Subtitle of host publication | Volume Electronic Poster Session - Biology & Species - Bovine (dairy) 2 |
| Publisher | WCGALP |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2018 |
| Event | 11th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production - Auckland, New Zealand Duration: 11 Feb 2018 → 16 Feb 2018 |
Conference/symposium
| Conference/symposium | 11th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | New Zealand |
| City | Auckland |
| Period | 11/02/18 → 16/02/18 |