Genetic parameters for beef and milk production in Dutch Red and White dual-purpose cattle and their implications for a breeding program

Abstract

Progeny data of 61 performance tested Al bulls (paternal half sibs) were used to estimate genetic correlations between veal, beef and milk production in Dutch Red and White dual-purpose cattle. Returns of selection schemes based on progeny testing for milk production and milk and beef production were compared using the estimated parameters. Genetic correlations between veal and milk production traits were low and varied from 0.41 to −0.27. Beef and milk production traits had higher genetic correlations varying from 0.85 to −0.36. Beef and milk production traits measured in lactating heifers were negative (0.10 to −0.76). Combined selection on milk and beef production traits gave a 15% higher return than selection on milk production traits only.