HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Petersen, M. L. Articles by Miller, K. P. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Petersen, M. L. Articles by Miller, K. P.

Conformation Resulting from Selection for Milk Yield of Holsteins^{1, 2,}

Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108

ABSTRACT

Conformation from official Holstein classification program of daughters sired by bulls with high estimates of Predicted Difference milk was compared with conformation of daughters sired by bulls near breed average for milk in 1964 to investigate correlated response to selection for milk yield. In 1964, foundation cows were paired by sire and randomly assigned to two genetic groups, selection and control, for one experimental herd. Selection group was mated to four sires highest for Predicted Difference milk each year. Control group was mated to 20 bulls near breed average for milk in 1964. Conformation was recorded for final score, four scorecard categories, and 11 descriptive traits by Holstein Association classifiers. Data from 320 cows were collected from 1968 to 1982. When a lower boundary of 60 points was placed on final score with a range from 50 to 100, the selection group exceeded controls for final score from first classification. Compared with controls, selection cows rated higher for dairy character and body capacity. For descriptive traits, selection cows excelled controls for stature, front ends, and rear udders. Controls did not have a significant advantage for any trait.

¹ Scientific Journal Series Paper 14295, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Contribution to Regional Project NC-2.

³ Southern Experiment Station, University of Minnesota, Waseca 56093.