Genetic parameters of production performance traits in synthetic Hardhenu cattle breed

Abstract

Understanding the genetic parameters of production performance traits in dairy cattle are critical for effective breeding programs. This study examines Heritabilities, genetic correlations and phenotypic correlations among five key production traits in Hardhenu cattle: First lactation 305-day milk yield, First lactation peak milk yield, First lactation average milk yield, Average milk production of first lactation at the first calving interval, and average milk production of first lactation at the age of second calving. Records pertaining to first lactation of 341 cows, the progeny of 51 sires; calved during the year 1995-2018, maintained at Cattle breeding farm, LUVAS, Hisar are collected analysed by using mixed model of Harvey for above traits. Results have shown a moderate to high heritability for traits under study. This might be due to uniform environmental treatment in herd resulting better expose of genetic insight. Corrections suggest the use of traits for generation of selection index. The results highlight significant correlations, offering insights into the genetic architecture of these traits and guiding breeding strategies for enhanced dairy productivity.