Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Andreea-Raluca MOCLEAȘĂ, Horia GROSU
This study investigates milk production traits in dairy cattle from Harghita County, emphasizing heritability and correlations among milk yield, fat content, and protein content. A dataset of 2,823 cows, including detailed pedigree, production records, and environmental factors, was analyzed to estimate genetic and phenotypic variability. Heritability values for milk yield (0.1), fat yield (0.09), and protein yield (0.102) reveal limited genetic influence, indicating that genetic progress will be gradual, requiring multiple generations for substantial improvement. Strong phenotypic and genotypic correlations between milk yield and its compositional traits were observed, supporting simultaneous trait enhancement through targeted breeding. Environmental correlations were relatively low, underscoring that genetic factors predominantly govern these traits, with minimal shared influence from environmental conditions. This study concludes that integrating selective breeding with superior management practices offers the best strategy for optimizing milk production. The findings align with previous research, reinforcing the importance of genetic selection as a long-term solution for sustainable productivity and enhanced quality in dairy farming systems. These insights contribute to designing effective breeding programs for improving milk yield, fat content, and protein yield in dairy cattle.
[Read full article] [Citation]
