Original research article
Cluster Analysis on Across Country Genetic Correlations for Conformation Traits in Holstein Cattle Breed
2011, 76 (3) p. 267-270
Mara Battagin, Flavio Forabosco, Mauro Penasa, Martino Cassandro
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate across country genetic correlations of conformation traits of 21 Holstein bull populations, using cluster analysis. Data consisted of across country genetic correlations of 18 conformation traits estimated by Interbull for the April 2011 routine genetic evaluation. For cluster analysis, the distance measure (dij) between countries i and j was calculated as dij=1-rG2ij, where rGij is the genetic correlation between countries i and j. Traits showed different mean distances with the lowest value for udder depth (0.062) and the highest for locomotion (0.441). For traits with similar definition further investigation is needed to understand differences within cluster. Also, more attention needs to be paid to countries that define or record traits differently from what is suggested by World Holstein Friesian Federation.
Keywords
conformation traits, dairy international evaluation, genetic correlations, cluster analysis
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