Cluster analysis of breeding values for milk yield and lactation persistency in Guzerá cattle

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of genetic lactation curves of Guzerá cattle using cluster analysis. Test-day milk yields of 5,274 first-lactation Guzerá cows were recorded in a progeny test. A total of 34,193 monthly records were analyzed with a random regression animal model using Legendre polynomials to fit additive genetic and permanent environmental random effects and mean trends. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses were performed based on the EBVs for monthly test-day milk yield, peak yield, lactation persistency, and partial cumulative and 305-day yields. The heritability estimates for test-day milk yields ranged from 0.24 to 0.52. Cluster analysis identified animals in the population that belong to different groups according to milk production level and lactation persistency.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cruz,Diego Augusto Campos da, Savegnago,Rodrigo Pelicioni, Santana,Annaíza Braga Bignardi, Peixoto,Maria Gabriela Campolina Diniz, Bruneli,Frank Angelo Tomita, Faro,Lenira El
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria 2016
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-84782016000701281
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Summary:ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of genetic lactation curves of Guzerá cattle using cluster analysis. Test-day milk yields of 5,274 first-lactation Guzerá cows were recorded in a progeny test. A total of 34,193 monthly records were analyzed with a random regression animal model using Legendre polynomials to fit additive genetic and permanent environmental random effects and mean trends. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses were performed based on the EBVs for monthly test-day milk yield, peak yield, lactation persistency, and partial cumulative and 305-day yields. The heritability estimates for test-day milk yields ranged from 0.24 to 0.52. Cluster analysis identified animals in the population that belong to different groups according to milk production level and lactation persistency.