Comparative evaluation of heritability value and non genetic factor affecting reproduction traits in Ongole cross cattle

Abstract

Evaluation of genetic factors such as heritability value and non genetic factors of reproductive traits has a vital role in improving breeding and management practices of beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate heritability value and non-genetic factors affecting reproductive traits in Ongole grade cattle. Five hundred and fifty-three (553) records of reproductive traits including age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO) of cows distributed over a period of 8 years (2012 to 2019) were used to predict genetic and non-genetic parameters. Parity, sex, mating system, season, and year of birth calf were included in the model to estimate their effect on reproductive traits. Heritability estimation was calculated using Mixed Model analysis by SAS 9.4. The General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS program, version 9.4 was used to estimate non-genetic factors. Overall mean values for AFC, CI and DO were 39.62±0.39 months, 393.81±2.85 days, 84.29±0.34, respectively. The results revealed that AFC, CI and DO were significantly (P0.05) influence. Concerning AFC, season affected AFC of Ongole grade. Prediction of heritability AFC, CI and DO were 0.28±0.026; 0.46±0.007 and 0.21±0.040, respectively. We might conclude that the improvement of reproductive traits in Ongole grade cattle was possible by improving genetic merit by selection criteria using genetic parameters and utilization of controlled breeding techniques.