Premium
Estimation of economic value for efficiency and animal health and welfare traits, teat and udder structure, in Canadian Angus cattle
Author(s) -
Devani Kajal,
Quinton Cheryl D.,
Archer Jason A.,
Santos Bruno F. S.,
MartinCollado Daniel,
Amer Peter,
Pajor Ed A.,
Orsel Karin,
Crowley John J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of animal breeding and genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1439-0388
pISSN - 0931-2668
DOI - 10.1111/jbg.12540
Subject(s) - udder , sire , heritability , selection (genetic algorithm) , best linear unbiased prediction , estimation , animal welfare , welfare , biology , genetic correlation , genetic gain , statistics , zoology , genetic variation , economics , mathematics , mastitis , genetics , computer science , market economy , ecology , management , artificial intelligence , gene , microbiology and biotechnology
The Canadian Angus Association recently developed genetic evaluations for teat and udder structure, which impact efficiencies, and animal health and welfare. Genetic selection tools are most effective incorporated into economic selection indexes. An important factor in the development of economic indexes is the estimation of the economic value and discounted gene expression coefficients, and thereby the economic weight, of each trait. Traditional estimation methods, interrogation of previous studies quantifying the impact of the traits and bioeconomic modelling, were reinforced using producer surveys that employed pairwise ranking methods. Estimates of discounted genetic expression coefficients, economic value and economic weight for teat and udder score in Canadian Angus cattle were 0.31 per sire, $52.47, and $16.91 per score change on a per calf born basis, respectively, indicating that functional traits such as teat and udder structure have a significant impact on profitability and should be included in genetic selection programmes. Limitations in previous studies illustrate the need for longitudinal studies on traits that impact efficiencies and animal health and welfare.