Abstract #T89

# T89
Genetic relationship between final score and production traits in Brazilian Holstein cattle.
Victor B. Pedrosa*1, Pedro G. Ribas Neto2, Silvano F. Valoto2, Luis F. B. Pinto3, Gabrieli S. Romano3, 1Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Parana, Brazil, 2Associacao Paranaense dos Criadores de Bovinos da Raca Holandesa, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, 3Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Dairy cattle farmers seek to have animals that stay longer in the herd and still produce more milk and solids with each generation. In this regard, the final score has been used as a selection criterion to be related to many linear type traits and possibly present positive correlation with dairy yield traits. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic correlations between final score, milk, fat and protein yield and thus prove the positive relationship between them to better conduct dairy cattle programs in Brazil. The database contained information on 83176 first lactation cows born between 1991 and 2011, with 148534 records on pedigree file. The considered final score was 50 to 97, wherein the lower score represents a weak classification and the highest score excellent. Genetic parameters estimation were obtained based on the animal model using the VCE software. Analyses were performed considering the contemporary group (same herd-year) as fixed effect and the age of cow as a covariate. The average of final score and production of milk, fat, and protein were respectively 81.50 points, 8531.50 kg, 287.90 kg, 270.74 kg. The genetic correlation between final score and production traits were 0.12, 0.02 and 0.14, respectively for milk, fat and protein. Hence, the correlation among milk and fat, milk and protein and lastly fat and protein were 0.49, 0.84 and 0.55, respectively. The results showed that there is a low, but positive correlation between final score and production traits, demonstrating that the selection for this type feature can improve dairy production. The results of relationship between production traits are consistent with findings in the literature in Holstein breed, in which the selection to increase milk or solids will benefit other production traits, specialty among milk and protein yields. Therefore, the final score should be included in the Brazilian Holstein breeding programs because it is widely known to be positive associated with legs, feet and udder, besides genetically contributing to increase dairy production.

Key Words: dairy cattle, linear type trait, milk yield