Abstract
Direct selection for longevity results in improved health and fitness and even milk production of cows. However, longevity is lowly heritable and phenotypic information is obtained at the end of an animal’s life. Traits expressed early in life and which are favorably correlated to longevity can be useful in selecting for this trait. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic correlations between longevity and age at first calving, first lactation calving interval, number of services per conception, first lactation milk yield, and first parity lactation length. Heritability estimates for measures of longevity were also calculated. The measures of longevity were time between birth and last milking in days (Long1), time between first calving and last milking record in months (Long2), number of lactations initiated (Long3), and total number of days in lactation over all lactations (Long4), total milk yield over all lactations (kg) (Long5). A series of five-variate animal models were fitted to estimate the nature and magnitude of genetic and phenotypic correlations between each measure of longevity and the fertility and production traits. Genetic correlations between measures of longevity and age at first calving, calving interval and number of services per conception were negative ranging from -0.14 ± 0.05 to -0.96 ± 0.06, -0.06 ± 0.03 to -0.67 ± 0.08 and -0.02 ± 0.02 to -0.73 ± 0.34, respectively. Correlations between measures of longevity and first lactation milk yield ranged from 0.88 ± 0.01 to 0.97 ± 0.03. Those with first parity lactation length ranged from -0.10 to 0.72. Long1, Long4 and Long5, which measure time between birth and last milking day, total number of days in lactation over all lactations and total milk yield over all lactations (kg), respectively, had the highest heritability estimates. These three could therefore be used to directly select for longevity. Among the traits studied, first lactation milk yield and age at first calving had the highest genetic correlation with measures of longevity. Therefore, first lactation milk yield and age at first calving could, therefore, be used to indirectly select for longevity.
Highlights
Longevity or the age at which a cow leaves the breeding herd is a trait of great economic importance in dairy and beef cattle breeding [1]
Genetic correlations between measures of longevity and age at first calving, calving interval and number of services per conception were negative ranging from −0.14 ± 0.05 to −0.96 ± 0.06, −0.06 ± 0.03 to −0.67 ± 0.08 and −0.02 ± 0.02 to −0.73 ± 0.34, respectively
Inclusion of longevity in the breeding objective is hampered because the trait is lowly heritable [5] [6] and the delay in availability of phenotypic information [7], which may lead to increase in generation interval [5]
Summary
Longevity or the age at which a cow leaves the breeding herd is a trait of great economic importance in dairy and beef cattle breeding [1]. In beef and dairy cattle, longevity plays a considerable role in the farm economy by increasing the profit realized per cow and enables greater response to selection because fewer animals exit the herd due to involuntary culling [3], a situation that provides greater selection intensity among females, and surplus heifers for sale [1]. Milk production is considered the single most important trait in dairy farming, cattle breeding programs are changing their breeding objectives to include longevity and other traits (type and functional) [1] [4]. This enables cows to meet the challenges of high milk production. Inclusion of longevity in the breeding objective is hampered because the trait is lowly heritable [5] [6] and the delay in availability of phenotypic information [7], which may lead to increase in generation interval [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
