Use of Different Methods for Estimation of Breeding Values and Estimation of Phenotypic and Genetic Parameters in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

In this study, a total of 2237 lactation records were used from 1034 female offspring of 26 bulls sired in Holstein Friesian dairy herd raising Polatli State Farm between 1985-1994. The records from 854 female offsprings of 26 bulls were used for the analysis of the first lactation and that of milk yield concerning 120 days. The breeding values (11 BV for bull, 12 BV for cow) were estimated by using different methods (Contemporary Comparison-CC, Herdmate Comparison-HC, Best Linear Unbiased Prediction-BLUP, Multiple Trait Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood- MTDFREML and Most Probable Producing Ability - MPPA). The heritability of first, partial and repeated lactation milk yield, the duration of lactation and the repeatability of milk yield were estimated respectively as 0.206 +/- 0.097, 0.249 +/- 0.101, 0.133 +/- 0.045, 0.057 +/- 0.039 and 0.337 +/- 0.025. All correlations were found high and statiscally significant (P<0.01). It is revealed that, not only new methods which need developed computer program but olso classical methods are effective for the prediction of the breeding value.