Genetic parameters estimates for locomotion score, body condition score and final type score of Holstein cattle in southern China

Abstract

Genetic parameters for locomotion score (LS), body condition score (BCS) and final type score (FTS) were estimated by Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) procedure with an animal model. The heritability estimates for LS, BCS and FTS were 0.09, 0.19 and 0.16, respectively. Moderate negative genetic relationship between LS and FTS (-0.47), high negative genetic correlation between LS and BCS (-0.78) and positive genetic correlation between BCS and FTS (0.28) were obtained. The current results indicated that the whole type performance genetic improvement was associated with better locomotion and body condition; and body condition improvement also might be good for improving dairy locomotion. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.