Veterinary Archives, Vol. 85 No. 5, 2015.
Short communication, Note
Genetic parameters for the linear udder traits of nine dairy ewes - short communication.
Pavol Makovický
; Department of Biology, Pedagogical Faculty, J. Selye University, Komárno, Slovak Republic
Milan Margetín
; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovak Republic; National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Lužianky, Slovak Republic
Peter Makovický
; Laboratory of Veterinary Histopathology in Komarno, Komarno, Slovak Republic
Abstract
The udder is one of the most important physiological and conformational characteristics of all dairy animals. Genetic parameters have been estimated for linear udder traits (Udder depth, Cistern depth, Teat position, Teat size, Udder cleft, Udder attachment and Udder shape) - 1275 assessments for each trait were included in the analysis of 381 ewes of 9 genotypes. Nine breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), Lacaune (LC) ewes, and IV and T crosses with genetic portion of Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) - 25 %, 50 % and 75 %. Primary data were processed using the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML) and the multiple-trait animal model, using the programs REMLF90 and VCE 4.0. Heritability coefficients estimated for linear udder traits were low and ranged from: h2 = 0.09 for udder attachment and for cistern depth: h2 = 0.30. This study suggests that selection programs can be effective for modifying udder morphology, particularly teat test placement and cistern height traits. Further research is needed to better defi ne udder traits and linear scores for use as selection criteria for improvement in the machine milking aptitude of these breeds.
Keywords
correlation; dairy sheep; heritability; udder traits
Hrčak ID:
148368
URI
Publication date:
20.10.2015.
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