Additive and non-additive genetic effects of growth-curve parameters of Holstein, Ayrshire and crossbred females

Abstract

Crossbreeding parameters (line additive, dominance and additive × additive epistatic effects for individual and for maternal performance) on growth traits of females from a crossbreeding experiment between Holstein-based (HS) and Ayrshire-based (AS) lines were estimated by individual animal models, incorporating all known additive genetic relationships among animals, through restricted maximum likelihood and mixed-model methodologies. The growth traits [asymptotic weight (A), rate parameter (k), inflection parameter (m), average lifetime absolute growth rate (AGR), average lifetime absolute maturing rate (AMR) and average lifetime relative growth rate (RGR)] were estimated by fitting the Richards function to the observed growth curve of 3076 individuals. The statistical model included the random effect of the animal breeding value and the fixed effects of genetic group and station–year–season of birth. Results indicated that the HS exceeded (P < 0.001) the AS in additive effects for individual performance for both A and AGR. The HS exceeded (P < 0.05) the AS in additive effects for maternal performance for A. Individual heterosis was positive for A (P < 0.001) and for AGR (P < 0.01). Maternal heterosis was negative for A (P < 0.05) and positive for AMR (P < 0.05). Total heterosis (TH) had positive effects on both AGR and AMR (P < 0.05). Heterosis retained in advanced crossbred generations was not significant (P > 0.05) for any of the studied traits. The results suggest that crossbreeding designed to exploit TH can alter the shape of the growth curve of dairy cattle. Key words: Crossbreeding, dairy cattle, growth curve