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Economic Selection Index Using Different Milk Production Traits of Holstein and Its Crossbreds

Md. Kabirul Islam Khan
Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong-4202 - Bangladesh

Jewel Mazumder
Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong-4202 - Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was conducted to estimate the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) breeding values of different milk production traits for Holstein and its crossbreds and to construct an economic selection index or total merit for individual cows from 2 different dairy farms in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The BLUP-estimated breeding values were obtained by AIREML, and an economic selection index was constructed as the sum of the product of the estimated breeding value with the economic value for each trait (lactation milk yield, calving interval, and live weight). The Holstein × Sahiwal crossbred showed better phenotypic performance in both farms while the same cows showed variable performance when compared to each other. It can be postulated that comparatively better performance might be due to good management and proper feeding, as well as the lactation stage and age of the cows. According to the economic selection index value, the Holstein × Local scored higher when compared to other genotypes. Therefore, the selection of cows of top index value would be beneficial for the production of offspring in the next generation.

Keywords: Performance, Estimated breeding values, Economic selection index, Holstein, Sahiwal

Location: Chittagong metropolitan area of Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-07-2009

End Date: 00-12-2009

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Cow

Objectives:

To study the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein and its crossbreds in Bangladesh;
To estimate the breeding values of economic importance traits of Holstein and its crossbreds; and
To construct an economic selection index or total merit for individual Holstein and its crossbred cows under farm conditions

Methodology:

The study was conducted on the Holstein and its crossbred cows from 2 different herds in the Chittagong metropolitan area of Bangladesh from July to December 2009. Data on various productive and reproductive parameters were collected from the records of the respective farms and also from direct observation by the data collector. From the recorded data the average and standard error of different traits for all genotypes were estimated using PROC MIXED of SAS (6), and the mean differences were compared by the least significant difference test (LSD).

BLUP estimated breeding values for the different milk production traits: Estimated breeding values (EBVs) were obtained from univariate and multivariate analysis by AIREML based on Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) and using the Average Information (AI) matrix as second derivatives in a quasi-Newton procedure. The individual animal model and mixed model equation (MME) for the multivariate animal model of analysis was used to achieve the objectives.

Construction of economic selection index or total merit: A linear profitability model based on the relationship between average values of marketable products (milk and meat), and the expenses incurred in dairy production derived the annual individual cow profit (P) from the differences between income (I) and costs (C). The income was estimated after running the base model, and the economic value (EVs) of milk yield, live weight, and calving interval was obtained by re-running the base model after changing 1 unit of each trait while maintaining the other traits in the model at a constant level. The economic selection index, animal genetics (breeding value) with input costs and output prices to projected profitability and values, is expressed in dollars. In this study the economic selection index or total merit value of the selection objective of milk production, was calculated as the sum of the product of BLUP- estimated breeding values with the economic value of all traits (milk yield, live weight, and calving interval). An estimate of T (total merit) was calculated.

Source of Information: Turk. J. Vet. Anim. Sci., 2011; 35(4): 255-261

Article Link (Online Journal): http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/veterinary/issues/vet-11-35-4/vet-35-4-6-1005-34.pdf

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study indicates that the Holstein × Sahiwal crossbred was the better of the 2 genotypes at both farms. All genotypes performed comparatively better on farm 2. The selection of cows based on the higher economic selection index or total merit values would be beneficial for the production of breeding bulls and replacement females in Bangladesh. This study will assist researchers, policy makers, and farmers in planning further research and cattle rearing under farming conditions in the country.

Knowledge Management: Journal