Clay & Sue McQuiddy wrote:
> 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.
I would prefer to see an overall improvement in my cows, than anyone
trait. I have seen many farms focus on production, for example, and then
you spend time on animal health or roping to stop the cups being kicked
off, just so you can have a 10000 litre cow. For me a good cow gets in
calf easily, doesn't kick my head off, no health issues and produces
well. Produces well, meaning that she pays her way and makes me a profit
with no extra effort on my behalf. No animal health issues meaning I do
not have to use preventative measures such as dry cow therapy, give
additional mineral supplements, use CIDR's or palpate to cycle, use
oestrogen or stimulate for milk letdown. I like the cows that you don't
see in the herd. The ones that do the business without needing extra
time given to them.
Other trait figures I have seen are as follows:
Somatic cells 15%
Longevity 5%
Milk production 25%
Live weight 25%
regards
Ian Buckingham
New Zealand
