An Investigation of the Inheritance of Female Reproductive Performance and Longevity, and their Interrelationships within a Holstein-Friesian Herd

Abstract

Intra-herd data on female reproductive efficiency, measured by calving intervals, and longevity, measured by successful parturitions, yielded heritability estimates of 32% and 37%, respectively, on within-sire comparisons between daughters and their dams. By several different methods of analysis no phenotypic association could be established between reproductive performance and longevity. Selection for either of the two characteristics should have proven successful without affecting the other in this population.