Genetic parameters of days open in Charolais cattle of Cuba

Abstract

Parámetros genéticos de los días abiertos en ganado Charolais de Cuba Parâmetros genéticos dos dias vazios no gado Charolês de Cuba (Received: December 12, 2014; accepted: September 3, 2015) doi: 10.17533/udea.rccp.v29n1a02 Original Articles were considered. The WOMBAT program was used to estimate variance components. Three models were applied; an univariate model (UM) for each separate parity until the sixth calving; a repeatability model (RM) with all parities; and a random regression model (ARM) taking the number of calving as an independent variable. Results: the overall average for DO was 171 ± 93 days. The trend of the average value for DO in each calving was decreasing from the first to the tenth parity, with a seasonal performance around 155 days between the fourth and eighth calving. DO heritability estimated by UM was variable, with values of 0.03 for the first calving and 0.06 for the sixth. These variations cannot be observed with RM that estimated a heritability of 0.06. Values of 0.05 in the first calving until 0.07 in the tenth were estimated with ARM. Genetic correlations among DO for different parities were close to unity. Conclusions: changes of the estimated heritability for DO through the productive life of a female can be observed with ARM. The heritability estimates were low and did not differ from the results reported in other beef cattle breeds.

Genetic Parameters for Age at First Calving and First Calving Interval of Beef Cattle

“…However, the economic value of fertility traits is considerable because poor fertility results in a low profitability in beef cattle production [ 4 ]. One of the possibilities of how to improve this production is by shortening of unproductive periods of females by reducing age at first calving and post-partum anoestrus period [ 5 ].…”

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Reproductive Traits in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)

“…However, reproductive traits are also pivotal, usually with significant impacts on the economic success of production [3,4]. The low profitability in beef cattle raising is primarily attributed to fertility problems characterized by an increased number of inseminations, prolonged calving intervals, high culling rates, and the reduced productive life of cows [5]. Much work needs to be done to improve the reproductive efficiency through crossbreeding and improved management techniques.…”