The Genetic Parameters for Milk, Fat and Protein Yields in Holstein Cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse methodology of genetic parameters estimation and breeding value prediction for milk, fat and protein yield in the first lactation of Holstein cattle using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction procedure- Restricted Maximum Likelihood method with individual animal model. The cows with records in first lactation were from experimental farm of National Research-Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition Balotesti. The genetic parameters were estimated with Restricted Maximum Likelihood method using Individual Animal Model. The estimated heritabilities were 0.249 for milk yield, 0.339 for fat yield and 0.315 for protein yield. The data were analysed with R software. The breeding values of the best Holstein cows for milk yield ranged from 21.13 to 176.97 l, for fat yield ranged from 5.178 to 35.34 kg and for protein yield ranged from 5.516 to 25.155 kg.

Keywords

• breeding value
• animal model
• heritability
• cows