GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN CATTLE ON AN ORGANIZED FARM
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Date
2008
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AAU, Anand
Abstract
The body weight, production and reproduction records of Holstein Friesian cattle were collected from H.F. farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand from 1992 - 2007. Total 278 body weight records at birth weight, body weight at 3, 6 and 12 months under 32 sires and daily milk production records for 209 lactations from 130 cattle were collected. Data up to fifth lactations were collected for each animal. The records were analyzed using least squares analysis procedures incorporating Period, Seasons of calving, parity etc. non-genetic factors in statistical model. The Mixed Model Least-Squares and Maximum Likelihood Computer Programme PC 2 Version of Harvey (1990) was used to estimate genetic parameters from adjusted data by paternal half sib correlation method. Gamma function of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences programme (S.P.S.S. version 10.1) was used for fitting lactation curve. Persistency was calculated on the weekly records of the milk yield. The least squares means for birth weight (BWQ), body weights at 3 (BW3), 6 (BWg) and 12 months (BW,2) were 34.90 ± 0.45, 75.53 ± 0.60, 144.43 ± 1.01 and 248.20 ± 1.24 kg, respectively. Body weights at 3, 6 and 12 months were significantly affected by period of calving and seasons of calving but birth weight was not significantly affected by period and seasons of calving. The calves born in summer season had significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight at 3, 6 and 12 months than calves born in other season. The parity of dam had no significant effects on body weight at all ages. Sex effects were significant on body weights at all ages and the male calves were heavier than females at all ages. The heritability estimates of BWQ, BW3, BWe and BW12 were 0.028 ± 0.13, 0.201 ± 0.152, 0.096 ±0.15 and 0.113±0.15, respectively.
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AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL GENETICS AND BREEDING, A STUDY