Genetic Parameters of Foot and Leg Traits in Future AI Bulls: II. Correlation to Body Conformation Traits in Daughters |
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| Authors: | Dorothee Boelling Per Madsen Just Jensen |
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| Institution: | 1. Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA;2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA;3. Swine Medicine Education Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA;4. Department of Animal Science, College of Animal and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this investigation was to establish genetic correlations between foot and leg traits in future potential AI bulls and body conformation traits in their daughters. Data consisted of records of 2394, 5002 and 1098 bulls of the breeds Danish Red, Danish Friesian and Jersey, respectively, which were correlated according to breed with 11846, 62875 and 10954 daughters sand their contemporaries, respectively. The bull traits included hoof measurements, horn characteristics and claw disease frequencies recorded at hoof trimming, while the data for the dairy cows contained the scores for rear leg side view, rear leg rear view, bone structure, quality of hocks and foot angle. The correlations between the claw diseases or horn characteristics on one side and the daughters' conformation on the other side were either negligible or inconclusive, while those between the bull's hoof measurements and the two conformation traits bone structure and hock quality were of statistical significance for all three breeds. Moreover, the stance of the rear leg showed a significant relationship to claw measurements in Danish Red and Jersey cattle. Small feet in bulls were correlated with a favourable expression of feet and legs in daughters. An improvement in foot and leg conformation traits in dairy cattle is possible by including claw measurements in the selection of future AI bulls. |
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| Keywords: | Dairy Cattle Genetic Correlation Linear Conformation Traits Locomotory Traits Performance-TESTED Bulls |
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