Abstract

TOLEDO ALVARADO, Hugo O. et al. Estimation of genetic parameters for milk production in Holstein cattle in Mexico under two modes of production control. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.4, pp.443-457. ISSN 2448-6698.

Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated for total milk production at first lactation (MP1), milk yield adjusted to 305 d and adult equivalent at the first lactation (MP1std), total milk production of the first five lactations (MP5) and milk yield adjusted to 305 d and mature equivalent of the first five lactations (MP5std). The databases of the Mexican Holstein Association (MHA, n= 43,668) and of the National Bank of Dairy Information (NBDI, n= 120,217) were used. Variances were estimated by REML, using a simple animal model for MP1 and MP1std and a repeatability animal model for MP5 and MP5std. Heritability estimates ranged from low to moderate for the first lactation (0.17 ± 0.009 to 0.49 ± 0.019) and for the first five lactations (0.16 ± 0.006 to 0.41 ± 0.004). The repeatabilities for MP5 and MP5std ranged from 0.32 ± 0.002 to 0.41 ± 0.004. The inclusion of information of the NBDI on the national evaluations made possible the incorporation of production data that had not been taken into consideration before. This inclusion not only improved the accuracy of sire breeding values for milk production, but also allowed the prediction of breeding values of more foreign and domestic animals with progeny in Mexico.

Keywords : Heritability; Repeatability; Holstein; Milk production; Mexico.

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