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Possibilities of Improving Genetic Progress by Finding a New Component of Milk Production

Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT

The biologically possible genetic and phenotypic combinations of a component of milk, fat, or protein were simulated to give investigators of new components of milk an indication of the possibility of finding a new component of milk which economically will increase genetic progress. Criteria are given for evaluating the biological possibility of any combination of heritabilities, and phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlations. Valid combinations were evaluated and classified according to the percentage increase in dollar return produced by the inclusion of a new trait in a selection index with milk, fat, and protein. There is a greater possibility of finding such components under conditions in the United States where phenotypic and genetic variances and payment per unit of product are higher than in Australia. Possibilities are a function of field costs of measuring and recording the new component as well as its heritability and phenotypic and genetic correlations. A simple method for economically evaluating possibilities is given.

¹ Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.