Genetics and breeding: Genetic Analysis of Cow Survival in the Israeli Dairy Cattle Population

摘要

The linear model method of VanRaden and Klaaskate for analyzing herd life was expanded. Information on conception and protein yield was included in the estima- tion of predicted herd life of Israeli Holsteins. Variance components were estimated by a multitrait animal model. Heritability was slightly higher for herd life than for number of parities, but genetic correlations were close to unity. Animal model heritability estimates of herd life were higher than were sire model estimates.