Sire evaluation using first lactation traits and univariate animal model in Sahiwal and Jersey -Sahiwal cattle

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken utilizing records on 826 daughters belonging to Sahiwal and Sahiwal-Jersey cattle. The data were spread over a period of 35 years from 19682002. The univariate animal model procedure was used with mixed model wherein genetic group, farm, period and season were as fixed effect and sire as random effect. The sires were assessed by computing the breeding values utilizing the first lactation traits, viz. age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI) and first location milk yield (FLMY). The positive rank correlation was observed between AFC and FCI, while rank correlation of FCr with FLMY, and AFC with FLMY were negative. The sire selected for higher age at first calving also had higher first lactation milk yield.