FEASIBILITY OF MACE FOR LONGEVITY FOR COLORED BREEDS

Authors: JAKOBSEN, J - INTERBULL CENTRE; FIKSE, W - INTERBULL CENTRE; Vanraden, Paul

Submitted to: Interbull Annual Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/28/2004
Publication Date: 8/1/2004
Citation: Jakobsen, J.H., Fikse, W.F., Van Raden, P.M. 2004. Feasibility of MACE for longevity for colored breeds. International Bull Evaluation Service Bulletin 32:59-63.

Interpretive Summary: International genetic evaluation for longevity for colored breeds were studied and found feasible. 9, 7, 5, and 4 countries participated in the pilot study for direct longevity for AYS, JER, GUE, and BSW, respectively, and average genetic correlations of 0.56, 0.51, 0.69, and 0.77 were obtained. The moderate genetic correlations within breed as well as the difference in average correlations may be caused by differences in national evaluation models, heritabilities, trait definitions, and culling strategies. Product moment correlations between international breeding values for direct longevity and udder health, udder depth, foot angle and overall conformation also showed differences in correlations between traits across breeds.

Technical Abstract: International genetic evaluation for longevity for colored breeds were studied and found feasible. 9, 7, 5, and 4 countries participated in the pilot study for direct longevity for AYS, JER, GUE, and BSW, respectively, and average genetic correlations of 0.56, 0.51, 0.69, and 0.77 were obtained. The moderate genetic correlations within breed as well as the difference in average correlations may be caused by differences in national evaluation models, heritabilities, trait definitions, and culling strategies. Product moment correlations between international breeding values for direct longevity and udder health, udder depth, foot angle and overall conformation also showed differences in correlations between traits across breeds.