Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/4227
Title: Genetics of female reproduction traits
Contributor(s): Johnston, David  (author)orcid ; Barwick, Stephen  (author); Holroyd, R G (author); Fordyce, G (author); Burrow, Heather Mary  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2006
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/4227
Abstract: The genetics of heifer pubertal traits and their associations with female reproductive performance were estimated using records from 2,115 heifers representing 2 tropically adapted genotypes raised in northern Australia. Heifers were ultrasound scanned for ovarian activity every 4-6 weeks to determine the age at first observed corpus luteum (CL). Heifer live weight (WTCL) and ultrasound scanned fat depth (FATCL) were also recorded at this time. Heifers were mated at approximately 2 years of age and genetic and phenotypic relationships were estimated between days to calving (DC1), calving success (CS1) and age at first CL (AGECL). Results showed large genotype, location and birth month effects on age and fatness at first CL but not weight at first CL. Age at presence of the first CL (AGECL) was moderately to highly heritable: 0.57 and 0.52 for Brahmans and Tropical Composites, respectively. Other pubertal traits were also moderately heritable. Heritability estimates for DC1 and CS1, were 0.16 and 0.18 for Brahmans and 0.11 and 0.08 for Tropical Composites, respectively. DC1 and CS1 were genetically correlated with AGECL, particularly for Brahmans (0.87 and -0.58, respectively). Selection to improve first parity female reproductive performance is feasible in both genotypes, and for Brahmans AGECL could be used as an indirect selection criterion provided it can be measured cost effectively in industry. Associations with lifetime reproductive performance will be required before final recommendations can be made on recording and selection breeding schemes.
Publication Type: Conference Publication
Conference Details: Beef CRC 2006 Conference: Australian Beef - the Leader, Armidale, Australia, 7th - 8th March, 2006
Source of Publication: Australian beef-The Leader, Proceedings of the Beef CRC Conference, p. 47-52
Publisher: CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies
Place of Publication: Armidale, Australia
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 070201 Animal Breeding
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 830301 Beef Cattle
HERDC Category Description: E2 Non-Refereed Scholarly Conference Publication
Publisher/associated links: http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/32004765?selectedversion=NBD41790925
Appears in Collections:Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU)
Conference Publication

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