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Genetic effects on dairy calf growth
O E el Bushra1, C J Wilcox, J M Wing
1Dairy Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
Journal of Dairy Science
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study establishes dairy calf growth patterns and genetic parameters for weight and height. While birth measurements and growth rates are genetically correlated, birth traits may be uncorrelated with gains to 90 days.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Dairy Cattle Production
Background:
- Establishing accurate growth patterns is crucial for dairy calf management.
- Understanding genetic parameters informs selection strategies for improved herd performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define weight and height growth trajectories in dairy calves from birth to 90 days.
- To estimate key genetic parameters, including heritability and correlations, for growth traits.
- To provide data for optimizing dairy cattle breeding programs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized extensive data from 752 calves across three breeds over 12 years.
- Applied least squares analyses of variance to identify sources of variation.
- Estimated regression equations for individual calf growth patterns.
Main Results:
- Repeatabilities for weight and height were .64 and .88, respectively.
- Heritabilities for weight and height were .22 and .30, with higher heritabilities for initial measurements and growth rates.
- Genetic correlations indicated strong positive relationships between birth measurements and later growth, but potential lack of correlation between birth traits and 90-day gains.
Conclusions:
- Dairy calf growth exhibits distinct patterns influenced by genetics.
- Selection schemes should account for the complex genetic correlations between early and later growth traits.
- While birth weight and height are genetically linked to subsequent growth, their correlation with the *rate* of gain to 90 days requires careful consideration in breeding strategies.