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Factors affecting incorrect paternity assignment in the Israeli Holstein population
J I Weller1, E Feldmesser, M Golik
1Institute of Animal Sciences ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel. weller@agri.huji.ac.il
Journal of Dairy Science
|August 26, 2004
Summary
Incorrect paternity records in Israeli Holstein cows were common (11.7%), mainly due to inseminator errors. Improving quality control, especially for inseminators, can reduce these errors and boost genetic progress.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Reproductive Technologies
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Accurate sire identification is crucial for genetic improvement programs in dairy cattle.
- Microsatellite genotyping is a standard method for parentage verification in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and causes of incorrect paternity recording in Israeli Holstein cows.
- To identify factors influencing paternity rejection rates.
- To propose strategies for reducing paternity errors and enhancing genetic gain.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 6040 Israeli Holstein cows using 104 microsatellite markers.
- Application of stringent criteria for paternity rejection based on genotype conflicts.
- Statistical analysis using linear and nonlinear models to assess the effects of various factors on paternity rejection.
Main Results:
- A paternity rejection rate of 11.7% was observed.
- Inseminator and recorded sire were significant factors influencing paternity rejection.
- Inseminator recording errors and semen labeling mistakes were identified as primary causes.
Conclusions:
- Inseminator recording errors are the main driver of incorrect paternity in dairy herds.
- Implementing enhanced quality control, particularly at the inseminator level, can significantly reduce paternity errors.
- Reducing paternity errors is expected to increase genetic progress by at least 1%.