Abstract

Genetic selection in dairy cattle have been successfully applied to increase milk production. Further understanding of the genetic and non-genetic factors related to disease and reproduction will support progress in these traits. In this study, two response variables were evaluated: a) disease problems encompassing diseases typically caused by pathogens such as metritis, clinical endometritis, mastitis, and respiratory disorders; and b) fertility problems identified indicators of reproductive performance. The models used to describe disease and fertility problems included the fixed effects of season, U.S. region, body condition score at 35 days in milk, calving problems, and metabolic problems. These variables were significant with disease and fertility problems. Results showed that disease-related explanatory variables were associated with fertility problems in cows. Heritability estimates were 0.05 and 0.07 for fertility and disease problems, respectively. The genetic parameter estimates can be used in selection programs. Keywords: reproduction, disorder, Holstein, selection

Tássia M Gonçalves, Pablo J Pinedo, Jose Eduardo P Santos, Gustavo M Schuenemann, Guilherme JM Rosa, Robert O Gilbert, Rodrigo Bicalho, Ricardo Chebel, Klibs Galvao, Christopher Seabury, John Fetrow, William W Thatcher, Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas

Proceedings of the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Volume Electronic Poster Session - Biology & Species - Bovine (dairy) 2, , 904, 2018