Genetics of health traits in Holstein cattle

Incidences of 22 health related traits were analyzed for 11,008 lactation records provided by 21st Century Genetics. Traits were analyzed both individually and grouped into one of five health categories. Significant sources of variation included herd-year, lactation, cow, and sire effects. Genetic parameters were estimated with multiple-trait REML. Repeatability and heritability estimates were low to moderate. Estimates ranged from .09 to .57 for repeatability and from .02 to .21 for heritability when individual traits were pooled by health category. Reproductive and respiratory traits were the least heritable (less than .10); mammary and locomotive traits were slightly higher (less than .20); and digestive category was most heritable (.21). Genetic correlations of mature equivalent milk with number of inseminations and other reproductive problems were positive (antagonistic), but those with incidences of other health problems were negative. Phenotypic correlations among mature equivalent milk and fat with individual health traits and categories of health traits were small and mostly near zero. Genetic correlations among health traits were positive except for reproduction with mammary and respiratory traits. Phenotypic correlations among health traits were near zero. Results suggest that selection for reduction of health problems is possible. If selection is practiced for improved health, these health traits should be properly weighted relative to production and other traits by the appropriate economic value. Evaluation of animals for health problems should be done on a multiple-trait basis.