method of identifying bovine animals with improved milk production characteristics, method of identifying a breeding population of cattle, method of identifying cattle for use in a multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (moet) procedure and method for improving milk production for a dairy cattle population

摘要

Applicants have identified that three critical phenotypic / genetic measures are highly correlated with transition period health and can be used in selection and reproduction protocols and / or in combination with traditional breeding and marker-assisted selection methods to improve predictability. health of the transitional period. According to the invention, genetic evaluations for mastitis, ketosis and metritis have been found to be highly predictive of overall transitional health. Genetic evaluations are produced by directly measuring thousands of clinical cases of mastitis, ketosis and metritis in the ancestors of a given animal and using this data in selection. Applicant selection criteria rapidly impact a breeding population, reducing the incidence of transitional cow diseases in the initial population and progeny.