Genetic parameter estimates for linearly described traits and conformation evaluation of Czech Pied cattle

The aim of the study was to estimate genetic parameters for conformation traits and to analyze relations between the conformation of Czech Pied first-calvers and their production characteristics. Totally 16 148 cows were: linearly scored and type classified. Heritability estimates (h(2)) for descriptive traits and conformation characterictics are given in Table I. The highest h(2) were estimated for body capacity (h(2) = 0.45), muscularity (h(2) = 0.41), stature (h(2) = 0.38), pin width (h(2) = 0.35) and body depth (h(2) = 0.34). The highest h(2) for descriptive traits of udder were estimated for rear udder conformation (h(2) 0.35), fore teat placement (h(2) = 0.33), median suspensory (h(2) = 0.27) and teat length (h(2) = 0.27). The lowest h(2) were estimated for traits of feet and legs. Heritability estimates for general conformation characteristics ranged from 0.24 to 0.45. Genetic (r(g)) and phenotypic (r(p)) correlations between different linearly described traits are shown in Table II. The highest genetic correlations were found between body capacity and body depth (r(g) = 0.69), production form and body depth (r(g) = 0.68), stature and body capacity (r(g) = 0.63), muscularity and body depth (r(g) = 0.58), muscularity and body capacity (r(g) = 0.53). From udder traits the closest relationship was found between fore and rear udder conformation (r(g) = 0.50). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between different general conformation characteristics are given in Table III. High genetic correlations were found between production type and other traits (r(g) = 0.65-0.85). Genetic correlations between linearly described traits, different general conformation characteristics and body measures are presented in Table IV. With respect to the evaluation of production type close relationships were found for body depth (r(g) = 0.75), production form (r(g) = 0.71) and muscularity (r(g) = 0.64). Genetic correlations between linearly described traits, general conformation characteristics, body measures and cows performance in the ist lactation (305 days) are given in Table V. With respect to production characteristics, from linearly described traits the highest genetic correlations were found for body capacity, stature, body depth and feet and legs conformation. Regarding body capacity r(g) ranged from 0.54 for protein production in kg to 0.49 for milk production. A significant positive relationship was observed between percentage of protein in milk and body capacity (r(g) = 0.37) and muscularity (r(g) = 0.32). Stature and body capacity of first-calvers are basically expressed by body measurements, therefore there can be found similar trends like for corresponding linearly described traits.