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Genetic parameters for alternative resilience phenotypes in Holstein cows.
Fiona Louise Guinan1, Robert H Fourdraine2, Francisco Peñagaricano1
1Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
JDS Communications
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Genetic selection for animal resilience is crucial due to climate change and disease. This study found that resilience indicators measured over several days, like changes in milk yield, capture more genetic variation and are best for improving dairy cattle resilience.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Dairy Cattle Management
Background:
- Animal resilience, the ability to withstand or recover from disturbances, is increasingly vital due to climate variability, labor shortages, and disease.
- Genetic selection for resilience can enhance dairy herd stability and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate various resilience phenotypes in lactating Holstein cows.
- To determine the heritability and genetic correlations of these phenotypes with milk yield.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed data from 34,044 US Holstein cows experiencing production perturbations.
- Investigated seven resilience phenotypes based on milk yield changes (ΔMY) and residuals during perturbation events.
- Estimated heritabilities and genetic correlations using univariate and bivariate models.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for resilience phenotypes ranged from 0.004 to 0.04.
- Resilience traits calculated over extended periods showed higher heritability than single-day measures.
- Genetic correlations suggest potential for simultaneous selection for resilience and milk production.
Conclusions:
- Resilience indicators based on single-day measurements or limited periods have low heritability.
- Resilience indicators calculated across multiple days, such as ΔMY, capture significant genetic variation.
- These multi-day indicators are most suitable for genetic improvement of resilience in dairy cattle.
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