Relation of the length of productive life and the body conformation traits in Slovak Simmental breed

Abstract

Abstract. Data obtained from the evaluation of longevity in 118 646 dairy cows of the Slovak Simmental breed were analyzed. The average length of productive life reached 1 451 days (3.88 years). Based on the analysis of the length of productive life for the whole cattle population, we calculated the ratio of cows that reached more than 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months respectively. The most important effects were the sire (F=53.43, P<0.001) and the farm effect (F=26.32, P<0.001). The milk production at first lactation was an important factor, too. The effects of conformation traits on the length of productive life were analyzed in a group of 6 585 culled cows. From the main conformation traits the most important effects were recorded for body frame, udder, feet and legs. For a detailed evaluation, the level of the effects of a particular body conformation trait were tested. The most important effects were rump angle, croup height and body depth. The analysis of udder traits showed that the most important effects were udder depth, teats length, rear udder attachment and rear udder. From the feet and legs traits the most important effects were recorded for fetlock, foot and rear legs.