2022 Volume 93 Issue 2 Pages 97-104
Genetic parameters for female reproductive traits, calf market weight and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle population in Miyagi prefecture were estimated. For female reproductive traits, we analyzed 45,334 records of age at first calving, 283,621 records of gestation length, 238,287 records of days open, and 238,287 records of calving interval. Records of calf market weight for 240,160 calves were used. Records of carcass weight, ribeye area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, estimated yield percentage, and Beef Marbling Standard numbers for 122,910 fattened animals were used. Pedigree data contains 447,576 individuals. Single-trait animal models were used to estimate trait heritabilities, and two-trait animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations between traits. The estimated genetic correlations of carcass traits and calf market weight with female reproductive traits were all weak to negligible, ranging from −0.161 to 0.038 for age at first calving, from −0.069 to 0.127 for gestation length, and from −0.113 to 0.051 for calving interval. The results would be useful in simultaneously improving productive and reproductive traits in Japanese Black cattle.
