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Genetic Parameters of Udder Traits, Somatic Cell Score, and Milk Yield in Latxa Sheep

NEIKER, Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Apartado 46, 01080, Vitoria, Spain

Corresponding author: A. Legarra; e-mail: alegarra{at}neiker.net.

Genetic parameters have been estimated in the Black-Face ecotype of the Latxa breed for udder type traits (udder depth and attachment and teat placement and size) at first or later lactations (considered as different traits), as well as for udder type traits, milk yield, and lactational somatic cell score, including all lactations. Genetic correlations between udder type traits at first or later lactations ranged from 0.85 and 0.95 suggesting that they are nearly identical traits. Udder type traits had moderate heritabilities. Milk yield was estimated to have a genetic correlation of 0.43 with udder depth, 0.10 with udder attachment, –0.25 with teat placement, and –0.10 with teat size, which were unfavorable in general. Genetic correlations of lactational somatic cell score were 0.10 with udder depth, –0.27 with udder attachment, –0.01 with teat placement, and 0.29 with teat size. Genetic correlations between lactational somatic cell score and udder type traits show that udders with good shape are less prone to subclinical mastitis.

Key Words: mastitis • udder • conformation • dairy sheep

Abbreviation key: LSCS = lactational somatic cell score, MYDS = milk yield produced on day of scoring.

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