Original scientific paper

Factors Affecting Linear Type Traits of Valdostana Cattle

Serena Mazza ; Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals Environment, University of Padova, Agripolis, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Cristina Sartori ; Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals Environment, University of Padova, Agripolis, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Donagh Berry ; Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
Roberto Mantovani ; Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals Environment, University of Padova, Agripolis, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy

Abstract

Four composite and 22 individual linear type traits, measured between 1997 and 2012 on 33,206 Aosta Red Pied (ARP) and 19,551 Aosta Black Pied and Aosta Chestnut (ABP-CN) strains of Valdostana cattle, were used to investigate the non-genetic factors affecting morphological evaluation. Average values for type traits ranged from 2.81 (teat placement rear view and foot angle) to 3.34 (thinness) for ARP, and from 2.48 (teat placement side view) to 3.67 (udder depth) for ABP-CN. Results from the ANOVA showed significant effect of herd-year-classifier on type traits of both ARPand ABP-CN, and of days in milk and age at calving for almost all traits, with few exceptions. The model used in this study is a useful starting point to calculate genetic parameters for Valdostana cattle.

Keywords

Valdostana cattle; linear type traits; source of variation

Hrčak ID:

106906

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/106906

Publication date:

4.9.2013.

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