Original research article
Claw Disease Incidence as a New Trait in the Breeding Goal for the Czech Holstein Population
2017, 82 (3) p. 253-239
Zuzana Krupová, Josef Přibyl, Emil Krupa, Marie Wolfová
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to calculate an economic value for claw disease (CLD) incidence, and to estimate its correlated genetic and economic responses to selection, using an index with diverse selection criteria, within the Czech Holstein cattle population. Information sources in the index were either leg type traits or CLD incidence, or both. The estimated economic value for CLD was 100.08 € per case per cow per year. According to the current Czech Holstein sire index, the leg index with the weight traits reduced the CLD incidence indirectly by -0.02 cases per generation (economic response of 2.01 €). The highest reduction in the CLD incidence (-0.04 cases) was obtained using the combined index, which included both CLD incidence and type traits (economic response of 4.1 €). The reliability of the investigated indices ranged between 17% and 56%. Among the traits in the combined index, the highest contribution to the response in CLD incidence was observed for CLD incidence, followed by the type traits, locomotion and legs. The inclusion of claw health as a new breeding objective trait, and the implementation of CLD incidence in the routine breeding value estimations and the sire index would be beneficial for the Czech Holstein population.
Keywords
claw disease, economic weight, selection, genetic response, economic response
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