Factors affecting the reproductive traits of Holstein cows / Fatores que afetam as características reprodutivas de vacas da raça Holandesa

ABSTRACT

For dairy cattle breeds, mainly the taurine ones, the selection emphasized for many years the increase in milk yields and, as a consequence, the adaptive and reproductive traits were negatively affected. The aim of this study was to verify the influence of genetic and environmental effects on the reproductive traits in a dairy herd selected for high milk production levels. The data set comprised 1,737 first lactations Holsteins cows of Agrindus Farm, located at Southeastern region of Brazil. The records of the following reproductive traits calving to first heat interval (CFHI), calving to conception interval (CCI) and first to second calving interval (FCI) were analyzed as dependent variables by least squares method using GLM procedure (SAS). Linear models were considered including two production levels (1= less than 9,500 kg and 2= more than 9,501 kg of total milk yield), contemporary group (year and months calving), management group, sire of cow, and the sire used to breeding cows, as classificatory variables. As covariates were included for all traits the peak milk yield in lactation (linear effect), age at calving only for CFHI (linear and quadratic effects) since this effect was not significant for other traits, and CFHI (linear effect) only for FCI. The coefficients of determination represented 24%, 74% and 75%, respectively for CFHI, FCI and CCI models. Production level

RESUMO

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