Genetic Improvement of Reproduction in Beef Cattle
نویسنده
چکیده
Reproduction is a key profit driver in beef cattle production systems around the world. However genetic evaluation for reproduction traits is generally limited or non-existent. This is likely a function of low levels of recording reproduction traits, and low heritabilities. Traditional BLUP based genetic evaluations have been used effectively in beef for generating estimated breeding values and, in conjunction with selection indices, have generated significant improvement in growth and carcase traits. Recent studies in Australia have shown component traits of both female and male reproduction have moderate to high heritabilities and there are promising results for the application of genomic selection. This paper sumarises genetic evaluation of reproduction in beef cattle world-wide and presents results from a large, long-term Australian research project that provides a blueprint for building future genetic evaluations to increase the rate of genetic improvement in beef cattle reproduction.
منابع مشابه
Bayesian inference of genetic parameters for reproductive traits in Sistani native cows using Gibbs sampling
This study was undertaken to estimate the genetic parameters for some reproduction traits in Sistani beef cattle. The data set consisted of 1489 records of number of insemination, calving, and insemination dates in different calving was used. Reproduction traits including calving interval (CI), gestation length (GL), days open (DO), calving to first service (CTFS), first service to conception (...
متن کاملREVIEW: Life-cycle, total-industry genetic improvement of feed efficiency in beef cattle: Blueprint for the Beef Improvement Federation
On a life-cycle basis, beef animals are able to consume large amounts of low-cost, low-quality forages relative to higher-cost concentrates compared with pigs and chickens. However, of the 3, beef is still more expensive to produce on a cost–per–edible pound basis. Accordingly, there is need for genetic programs and management changes that will improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitabil...
متن کاملImpact of reproductive technologies on improved genetics in beef cattle
Introduction Domestication of food producing animals has led to the desire by humans to control reproduction so as to enhance production of the products (e.g., meat) from these animals. Domestication of cattle is estimated to have started about 10,000 years ago (Bradley et al., 1998). Controlled reproduction by regulating mating patterns, through use of natural breeding, has long been practiced...
متن کاملGenetic analysis of days open in beef cattle
The aim of this work was to analyse the genetic parameters affecting days open (DO) in beef cattle to evaluate its potential as criterion of selection. The present study characterises DO as a trait with considerable genetic variability, relative to that usually found for reproduction traits, especially for heifers and second calving cows. The estimates of heritability for the trait ranged from ...
متن کاملGenetic improvement of beef cattle in the United States: cattle, people and their interaction.
The purpose of this essay is to develop a historic perspective of the beef cattle population and the legion of people directing its genetic change so that future leadership can increase the rate of breeding technology assimilation. Use of cattle for beef to feed millions is relatively recent. The beef industry of the United States has a rich, romantic heritage that combined Spanish exploitation...
متن کامل