Estimated breeding values of dairy sires for cow colostrum and transfer of passive immunity traits

Abstract

The objective of this study was to derive the estimated breeding values (EBVs) of Holstein sires for colostrum and passive transfer of immunity traits to a) estimate the genetic association between these new traits and established production, conformation, and functional, and b) explore whether sires can be classified in specific profiles regarding the new traits. For cow colostrum traits, the study included 699 daughters of 67 sires from 6 commercial dairy herds. The number of daughters per sire ranged from 5 to 49. Passive transfer of immunity was measured as the blood serum total protein content in 854 purebred Holstein calves of 61 sires from 8 commercial dairy herds. The number of calves per sire ranged from 5 to 44. Data were statistically analyzed using mixed models. Approximate genetic correlations of the derived sire EBVs for cow colostrum and calf serum total protein with EBVs for several other traits were estimated. Moreover, sires were classified into colostrum and calf serum total protein profile groups. Approximate genetic correlations of cow colostrum and calf serum traits with milk production, conformation, and functional traits were mostly unfavorable. Colostrum total solids and protein contents were negatively correlated with milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, productive life, and livability. The only favorable correlation found was between colostrum total solids/calf serum total protein and daughter pregnancy rate. However, several bulls had favorable profiles in both colostrum/passive transfer of immunity and production traits. Colostrum/passive immunity traits could be included in future genetic improvement programs after careful structure of relevant indexes.