Genetic parameters for body weight, body condition score and lameness in Austrian dairy cows

Abstract

This study is part of a larger project whose overall objective is to evaluate the possibilities for genetic improvement of efficiency in Austrian dairy cattle. Efficiency is understood as a combination of already existing traits of milk, beef and functional traits and traits aiming at feed efficiency and health. In the year 2014 a one-year data collection was carried out. Data of approximately 5,400 cows, i.e. 3,100 Fleckvieh (dual purpose Simmental), 1,300 Brown Swiss, 1,000 Holstein kept on 167 farms were recorded. In addition to routine performance recording, data on new traits like body weight, body measures, lameness, claw health, subclinical ketosis and data about feed quality and feed intake was collected. The specific objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for body weight, body condition score and lameness in Austrian Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss and Holstein cows. Heritabilities of body weight and body condition score were moderate and ranged from 0.35 to 0.44 and 0.18 to 0.34, respectively. For lameness lower heritabilities were found (0.03 to 0.07). Body weight and body condition score were moderately correlated, with estimates ranging from 0.39 to 0.58. Moderate genetic correlations were also found between body weight and lameness (0.57 to 0.63), indicating that animals that are heavier have more lameness. Genetic correlation estimates between body condition score and lameness were not significant.