Genetic parameters for residual energy intake and energy conversion efficiency in Nordic Red dairy cattle
2015
Liinamo, A.-E. | Mäntysaari, P. | Lidauer, M. H. | Mäntysaari, E. A.
Our aim was to estimate the genetic parameters of residual energy intake (REI) and energy conversion efficiency (ECE), and their relationships with milk, feed intake and body weight (BW) and condition in Nordic Red dairy cattle with data from 400 animals. These data were analysed with repeatability and random regression models. The highest heritabilities for energy efficiency traits were obtained in the beginning and the end of the 30 week lactation period (0.21–0.40). The results suggest that the energy efficiencies in early- and mid-lactation periods are partially different traits. The genetic correlations of REI were moderate to high and positive with the other studied traits, and high and positive for ECE with milk, but moderate to low and negative with dry matter intake, BW and body condition score. Further improvements are still needed in modelling the energy efficiency traits of cows during lactation.
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