Abstract
Abstract. The objective of this paper was to select a suitable data subset and statistical model for the estimation of genetic parameters for weaning weight of beef cattle in the Czech Republic. Nine subsets were tested for the selection of a suitable subset. The subsets differed from each other in the limit of sampling criteria. The most suitable subset satisfied these conditions: at least 5 individuals per each sire, 5 individuals per HYS (herd, year, season), 2 sires per HYS, and individuals per dams that have at least one half-sister and two offspring (n = 4 806). The selection of a suitable model was carried out from 10 models. These models comprised some of the random effects: direct genetic effect, maternal genetic effect, permanent maternal environment effect, HYS, sire × herd or sire × year interaction, and some of the fixed effects: dam’s age, sex (young bull, heifer × single, twin born), HYS, year, herd. The direct heritability (h2a) ranged from 0.06 to 0.17, of maternal heritability (h2m) from 0.03 to 0.06. The genetic correlations between the direct and maternal effect (ram) were in the range of –0.15 –0.42.
Highlights
Estimation of breeding value and subsequent selection of parental pairs is primarily based on correct estimation of genetic parameters
For this reason the correct estimation of genetic parameters depends on the data set selected from the basic data and the used statistical model for the given traits under study
The objective of this paper was to select a suitable structure of a data set and statistical model for the estimation of genetic parameters for the weaning weight in beef cattle in the Czech Republic
Summary
Estimation of breeding value and subsequent selection of parental pairs is primarily based on correct estimation of genetic parameters. Data structure influences the estimation of genetic parameters and error. For this reason the correct estimation of genetic parameters depends on the data set selected from the basic data and the used statistical model for the given traits under study. Growth ability is of great economic importance in the beef cattle breeds. The direct effect, the maternal effect and the permanent environment participate in the growth ability of the animal (JAKUBEC et al, 1998). The selection of an adequate model for the trait analysis includes direct and maternal effects
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