> If fertility is 5% inheritable and other traits in the herd such as udders
> and production are 45% inheritable, �wouldn't it be more profitable to
> concentrate on the higher heritability traits until they are satisfactory
> before addressing something that is only 5% inheritable? � Keep in mind
> that the more traits you select for, �the slower the genetic improvement in
> each trait.
Well, there was once and still is a whole different approach now in disfavor.
We could just refrain from concern over such factors as % heritability and
generation interval, and instead raise bulls only from 10 year old and older
cows with regular breeding intervals.
The assumption being that if the cows withstood 10 years of culling, and
attrition from natural causes, then such cows may be genetically superior.
--
Kindest regards,
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F. W. Owen
Owenlea Holsteins
9430 Spencer Road
Homerville, Ohio 44235
e-mail fwo@bright.net
home page http://www.bright.net/~fwo
voice & fax 330.625.2369
cell 330.635.2287
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