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Genetic relationships between behavioral traits and feed efficiency traits in lactating Holstein cows
Bárbara M Nascimento1, Ligia Cavani1, Malia J Caputo1
1Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
Behavioral traits like rumination, activity, and lying time in dairy cows are heritable and linked to feed efficiency. More efficient cows spend more time lying down, while less efficient cows ruminate longer.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Dairy Production
Background:
- Feed efficiency in dairy cows is crucial for economic viability and environmental sustainability.
- Residual feed intake (RFI) is a common measure, but doesn't fully capture feed efficiency variations.
- Behavioral traits may influence feed intake and energy expenditure, impacting overall feed efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the heritability and repeatability of behavioral traits in lactating Holstein cows.
- To determine the genetic correlations between behavioral traits and feed efficiency, including residual feed intake.
- To assess the potential of using sensor-based behavioral data as indicators for feed efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two datasets with sensor-based records (accelerometers and pedometers) for rumination, lying time, and activity in 728 and 635 Holstein cows.
- Analyzed daily and weekly records for behavioral traits and feed efficiency components (DMI, BW change, milk energy, RFI).
- Employed statistical models including fixed effects (cohort, lactation, days in milk) and random effects (animal, permanent environment).
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for daily behavioral traits were 0.19 for rumination/activity and 0.37 for lying time.
- Repeatability estimates for daily data ranged from 0.56 (activity) to 0.62 (lying time), with higher values for weekly data.
- Positive genetic correlations were found between rumination/activity and RFI (0.40, 0.31), and a negative correlation between lying time and RFI (-0.27).
Conclusions:
- Sensor-based behavioral traits are heritable and repeatable in dairy cows.
- Behavioral traits are genetically correlated with feed efficiency and its components, including residual feed intake.
- Lying time, rumination, and activity can serve as valuable indicators for identifying feed-efficient dairy cows.
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