Genetic evaluation for birth traits in dual-purpose Belgian Blue using a mixed inheritance model

In this study a genetic evaluation, based on a mixed inheritance model, was developed for birth traits (calving ease, gestation length and birth weight) in dual-purpose Belgian Blue (dpBB), a separated type inside Belgian Blue Herd-book. About 80% of dpBB animals have a single or a double copy of the muscular hypertrophy gene. This heterogeneity is the reason of a great variability in birth performance traits like calving ease or birth weight. The muscular hypertrophy gene substitution and dominance effects for calf genotype had a significant impact both on birth weight and calving ease, in ac... Mehr ...