Genetic and phenotypic variation of some reproductive traits in Egyptian buffalo

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of season, year of calving and parity on lactation period, calving interval, number of days open and dry period in Egyptian buffalo, and to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for these traits using a multi-trait animal model. Season of calving, year of calving and parity affected the traits studied. Heritability estimates for lactation period, calving interval, dry period and number of days open were 0.09, 0.07, 0.13 and 0.08 respectively and repeatability estimates were 0.27, 0.14, 0.27 and 0.19 respectively. Estimates of the permanent environmental component (c2) were low. Genetic correlations between these traits were low and positive, except for that between lactation period and dry period, which was negative. A similar pattern was observed for phenotypic correlations, but these were higher than those observed for genetic correlations.