Fertility measures in Polish Black-and-White cattle. 4. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between fertility measures and type traits.

摘要

Phenotypic and genetic correlations between fertility measures and conformation traits were estimated. Data from of 38 274 cows were examined and this records consisted of eight fertility traits, five descriptive type traits, height and rump and fourteen linearly scored conformation traits. The correlations were estimated using REML based on linear animal model. The phenotypic correlations between fertility and descriptive type traits were in general low or close to zero. The largest were obtained for non-return rates with central ligament (0.055), body depth (-0.066), chest width (-0.079) and rump width (-0.082). The genetic correlations of age at first insemination and age at conception with descriptive type traits, height at rump, and linearly scored udder traits were negative and ranged from -0.014 to -0.224. Age at first insemination and age at conception correlated positively with rump width and chest width. The genetic correlations between non-return rates and most of the conformation traits were low. The largest correlations between descriptive type traits and interval fertility measures were obtained for conformation and dairy character with service period (0.361) and days open (0.313). Among linearly scored type traits, large correlations were found for rear udder height, udder width, and central ligament with service period and days open (from 0.225 to 0.422). All interval traits showed negative correlations with fore udder attachment, and small correlations with rump traits, body depth and chest width..