Short communication: Genetic analysis of lactation curves in buffaloes, using Wood’s model

Abstract

Aim of study: To estimate the heritability and genetic correlations for lactation curve traits in buffaloes. Area of study: The buffalo cows were raised on properties located in the states of São Paulo, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Material and methods: The individual parameters of Wood’s model ( , , and ) were obtained using a non-linear mixed model. Peak yield (PY), peak time (PT) and lactation persistency (LP) were also calculated. These individual parameters were employed in multi-trait analysis with the milk yield (MY) using Bayesian inference. Main results: The heritability estimates were of low to moderate magnitudes, with values ranging from 0.156 ( ) to 0.299 (PY). The estimates for genetic correlation between the Wood’s parameters and MY were of low to high magnitude and ranged from -0.533 ( and MY) to 0.983 (PY and MY). Research highlights: The heritability estimates obtained indicate that the traits studied can be used in animal breeding programs.

Keywords

• bubalus bubalis
• milk yield
• peak lactation
• persistency