Research Article
Estimates of Heritability and Repeatability for Milk Composition Traits of Ethiopian Dairy Cattle Breeds
Fikadu Wodajo Tirfie*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-5
Received:
9 December 2024
Accepted:
20 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.abb.20251301.11
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Abstract: This study examines the heritability and repeatability of milk composition traits in Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey breeds. This investigation was carried out at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). The study used breeding data from Ethiopian Boran and crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) to determine milk composition traits such as protein percentage (PP%), fat percentage (FP%), solid nonfat (SNF%), total solids (TS%), and lactose percentage (LP%). WOMBAT software was used to perform statistical studies, including heritability and repeatability estimates, on an animal model. Fixed factors such as lactation season, parity, lactation stage, and calf genotype were added to the model after their significance effect was determined. Heritability estimates were 0.52 for PP, 0.66 for FP, 0.31 for SNF, 0.65 for TS, and 0.86 for LP, showing that these traits have a high genetic effect. The repeatability values for these traits varied from 0.53 to 0.91, exceeding heritability estimates and confirming the dependability of single performance records for selection. Permanent environmental influences have less impact, with strong genetic contributions indicating quick improvement potential through selective breeding. The results emphasize the significance of protein, fat, and lactose percentages as important traits for Ethiopian dairy cow breeding programs. Their high heritability and repeatability values suggest strong genetic predictability and the possibility of making significant genetic gains through focused selection procedures.
Abstract: This study examines the heritability and repeatability of milk composition traits in Ethiopian Boran cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey breeds. This investigation was carried out at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). The study used breeding data from Ethiopian Boran and crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian...
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