Estimation of genetic parameters for dairy traits using repeatability animal models based on test-day data for Alpine goat in Croatia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for daily milk yield (DMY), fat (FC), and protein content (PC) using 329.022 test-day records of 23.756 Alpine does. Single trait repeatability animal model was applied. Parity, litter size, season, and lactation stage (Ali-Schaeffer’s curve) were fitted in the fixed, while herd, herd-test-day, permanent environment (within lactations) and additive genetic effect in the random part of the model. Variance components were estimated using Residual Maximum Likelihood Method in the VCE-6 program. Additive genetic effect explained 23 %, 16 % and 25 % of DMY, FC and PC variability which is in general agreement with numerous previous reports for dairy goat breeds. Among the non-genetic effects, herd explained 24 %, 12 %, and 9 %, herd-test-day 17 %, 29 %, and 30 %, and permanent environment 16 %, 3 %, and 5 % of DMY, FC and PC variability, respectively. The estimated parameters and developed single trait repeatability test-day models will serve as a basic tool in BLUP based genetic evaluation of Alpine breed in Croatia.