Genetic and phenotypic evaluation of Zimbabwean Jersey cattle towards the development of a selection index
Abstract
105 words
A multitrait selection index for Zimbabwean Jersey cattle was
constructed using 10 986 records (305-day) from 25 herds with
calving period from 1996 to 2008 using data from the Livestock
Identification Trust. Genetic and phenotypic parameters were
estimated using an Animal Model in ASREML. Genetic trends
were also computed. The index was: I = 0.0004MY + 0.0109FY
+ 0.0313PY + 1.0004F% + 2.4491P% - 0.1905SCC; with an
accuracy of 91.10 % and the correlation between the index
and the aggregate breeding objective was 0.954. Incorporation
of conformation and other functional traits is important but the
current index can be used to improve Zimbabwe’s Jersey herd.
Subjects
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