Estimation of genetic parameters of test day fat and protein yields in Brazilian Holstein cattle using an autoregressive multiple lactation animal model

Abstract

This study was aimed to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for daily fat and protein yields of Brazilian Holstein cattle, using an autoregressive test day multiple lactations (AR) animal model. Data consisted of test day (TD) records produced by Holstein cows under milk recording supervised by the Brazilian Holstein Association, calving from 1993 to 2004. Medium to high heritability estimates (from 0.18 to 0.30 and from 0.30 to 0.43 for fat and protein TD yields, respectively) suggest opportunities for larger genetic gain by selection. Results from this study confirm the potential of using TD yields to replace the lactation model to estimate breeding values of Holstein cows in Brazil. Further studies are needed to compare these results with other modelling approaches e.g., the RR model.