Genetic and environmental analysis of female calf survival in the Israel Holstein cattle population

The objectives were to estimate the effects of various environmental factors on female calf survival Israeli Holsteins, economic value under conditions, genetic and variance components for cow using individual animal model, perform GWAS analyses first calving herd life after calving, trends since 1985, correlations with traits included in current breeding index, consequences inclusion national selection index. Mean rate Holsteins from 2001 through 2008 was 0.85, mean $526. Birth month, gestation length, dystocia, twin birth significantly affected rate. Dystocia each reduced by 0.034. Survival highest calves born October lowest February. difference between these months 3.4%. Maximum at a length 276 d, this population. 0.76 260 d. model applied all analyses. Heritability as estimated REML, 0.009, whereas heritability 0.15. complete data set analysis 1,235,815 1985 2017. Annual phenotypic 0.019 0.015%, respectively. Correlations transmitting abilities 226 sires 2010 index significant only maternal dystocia stillbirth. based 1,493 bulls genotypes reliabilities >0.5 life. There 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms coefficients determination >0.03 12 >0.05 survival. no overlap genome-wide markers This corresponds conclusion REML results low sire evaluations that control 2 are not similar. Inclusion would result 0.5% increase over 10 yr but reduce progress other 8%.