New genetic evaluation of fertility in Swiss Brown Swiss

Authors

  • Birgit Gredler Qualitas AG
  • Urs Schnyder Qualitas AG

Keywords:

fertility, fitness, genetic evaluation, Brown Swiss cattle

Abstract

A new five-trait fertility model was developed for Brown Swiss cattle in Switzerland. The current model considers non-return-rate 56 in cows and days to first service only. The new model includes traits measured in heifers and cows. The traits evaluated were non-return-rate 56 and interval between first and last insemination in heifers and cows and days to first service. Estimated heritabilities were low for all traits and ranged from 0.015 to 0.063. Breeding values were estimated using a multi-trait animal model. The reliability of fertility breeding values could be improved through incorporation of heifer data and new traits.

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Published

2013-09-26

Issue

No. 47 (2013): Proceedings of the 2013 Interbull meeting

Section

Articles

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