Szabolcs Bene

21734481000

Publications - 18

Comparison of some economic traits by genetic cluster of Aberdeen Angus cattle

Szabolcs Bene Judit Márton Attila Zsolnai F. Szabó István Anton

Publication Name: Archives Animal Breeding

Publication Date: 2025-05-12

Volume: 68

Issue: 2

Page Range: 279-286

Description:

The Angus cattle population of Hungary was categorized into four groups using 12 microsatellite markers exhibiting notable genetic variations. Moreover, some traits influencing the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle farming were compared between groups. Data were obtained from 5075 cows (born between 1990-2020) and 19 142 calves (born between 1997-2023), including 10 629 bull calves and 8513 heifer calves of different genetic backgrounds. Genetic groups were distinguished by origin, color, size, and type: blue group (BG), red group (RG), green group (GG), and yellow group (YG). The six investigated traits were age at first calving (AFC), productive lifespan (PL), number of calves born (NCB), culling age (AGE), birth weight (BW), and the 205 d adjusted weaning weight (WW). The averages of the six tested traits were as follows: AFC - 2.35 ± 0.54 years; NCB - 5.89 ± 3.69 heads; PL - 6.85 ± 4.13 years; AGE - 9.2 ± 4.26 years; BW - 29.4 ± 4.28 kg; and WW - 176.9 ± 44.07 kg. YG excelled in terms of NCB, PL, AGE, and WW traits, while RG performed best in terms of AFC and BW. BG displayed the lowest performance across NCB, PL, AGE, BW, and WW. The heavier Red Angus individuals were largely behind the performance of the traditional-type, smaller British-type Black and Red Angus individuals in the tested traits affecting sustainability and profitability. Significant reproduction and longevity trait differences exist among different genetic groups of Angus beef cattle genotyped by DNA microsatellite information. The results indicated significant differences in terms of the performance of different Angus types with regard to the tested traits. These findings could be useful in developing breeding concepts and making selection decisions, contributing to more efficient and sustainable breeding strategies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5194/aab-68-279-2025

Heritability and Trends in Selected Udder Traits and Their Relation to Milk Production in Holstein-Friesian Cows

Szabolcs Bene László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi F. Szabó

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study aimed to evaluate the heritability (h2) estimates of some important udder conformation traits, their relationship to each other and with production, and their phenotypic and genetic trends over a 10-year period in relatively high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows. A total of 15,032 cows from six herds in Hungary were tested for milk (MY), butterfat (FY), and protein (PY) production yields over 305 days in first lactation. In addition, their udder conformation was scored for udder attachment (FU), rear udder height (RUH), central ligament (CL), udder depth (UD), front teat placement (FTP), and udder texture (UT) on a 1–9 linear udder score scale. REML and BLUP single-step animal model and linear regression model were used for data analysis and estimation. The production traits of the cows were quite reasonable, with 10,179.4 kg milk, 380.3 kg fat, and 333.1 kg protein in a standard lactation of 305 days. The scores of the udder conformation traits (5.4 to 6.1) were slightly above the mean of 5 on a linear scale of 1–9. The h2 for MY, FY, and PY were obtained from 0.30 to 0.35, while those for udder traits were from 0.22 to 0.41. Phenotypic (rp) and genetic (rg) correlations for the relationship between production and udder conformation were weak or negligible (ranged from −0.33 to +0.15). Most of the associations between different udder traits were generally weak, but moderate positive correlations were observed between FU and UD (rp = 0.42, rg = 0.50 or 0.57), and between FU and UT (rp = 0.36, rg = 0.33 or 0.35). There were increasing genetic trends in the milk production (b = 2.2 to 16.5), but the studied udder conformation traits did not change over time (b = 0.00 to 0.03). In our study, despite an increase in milk yield over the studied ten-year period, udder conformation traits did not change. Therefore, considering that udder conformation scores were slightly above average and that udder traits were included in the selection index, we believe that it may be necessary to reconsider the udder conformation scoring system and its inclusion in the selection index.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani15091276

Different Breeding Values Under Uniform Environmental Condition for Milk Production Yield Traits in Holstein-Friesian Cows

Szabolcs Bene László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi F. Szabó István Anton

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In this study, 1,616,549 Holstein-Friesian females were genotyped for genomic evaluation of genetic merit (BVGenomic). Genotyping was performed using the EuroGenomics MD v3.0 chipset on the Illumina microarray scanner platform operated by an accredited Illumina laboratory. In addition, international and national reference populations were used for traditional BLUP breeding value (BV) estimation for both individuals (BVBLUP) and parents (BVPedigree). A single-step BLUP animal model was used for this estimation. A sample of 190 first lactation progeny cows from a single herd, reared and kept under consistent environmental conditions, was used to validate the three types of BV estimation methods. Correlation and regression analysis were used to study the association between the phenotypic performance and the results of three different estimation models. The average production of the 305-day standard lactation was 10,910.5 kg milk, 397.86 kg butterfat and 365.33 kg protein. Comparative analyses showed that BVBLUP had the highest accuracy, followed by BVGenomic, while BVPedigree was the least reliable, R2 = 0.37 to 0.48; 0.09 to 0.23; 0.02 to 0.06, respectively.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani15010051

Effect of some myostatin (MSTN) variants on live weight and beef traits measured by ultrasound in Charolais candidate breeding bulls

Márton Török Szabolcs Bene Gabriella Holló Károly Tempfli Edit Mikó Tamás Csürhés F. Szabó

Publication Name: Journal of Applied Animal Research

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 53

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study investigated the relationship between some ultrasound measurements, live weight data, and five (F94L, nt267, nt324, nt414 and Q204X) myostatin (MSTN) variants associated with beef production in Charolais cattle. A total of 390 Charolais candidate breeding bulls were weighed at birth (BIW) as well as 205 (CWW) and 400 days (FDW) of age, and ultrasonically measured for ribeye area (REA), fat thickness at rump (FRU), fat thickness at ribeye (FRI) and marbling of the ribeye (MAR) at 400 days of age. The frequency of allele C and A were high in the studied population. The F94L had a significant effect on the FRU and FRI, whereas REA significant differed between homozygous and heterozygous animals on SNP at nt267. MAR of non-mutant animals were significantly (by 04.−05 points) lower than those heterozygous for the F94L. FRI tended to be higher (0.51–0.57 cm) for mutations together nt267 and nt414, or for F94L, nt414 and nt324, but lower (0.47–0.49 cm) for nt267 and nt414 mutations. The results indicating F94L could be use in QTL selection for improving beef quality. The polygenetic effect of different MSTN mutations, as well as the effect of MSTN deficiency, would be worth investigating in the future.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2025.2452470

Simultaneous Effects of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms on the Estimated Breeding Value of Milk, Fat, and Protein Yield of Holstein Friesian Cows in Hungary

Szabolcs Bene László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi Attila Zsolnai F. Szabó István Anton

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 23

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

By analyzing the genome of Hungarian Holstein Friesian cows, we looked for genomic regions which have an effect on the milk, fat, and protein yield. Among the sampled animals and the investigated nucleotides, nine were simultaneously associated with milk, fat, and protein yield. Among the nine variants, two had opposite effects; for example, while increasing the value of milk yield, the other one or two parameters’ values decreased. The acquired knowledge can help in the planning of breeding schemes to avoid unwanted interactions among the abovementioned yield parameters.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani14233518

Heritability Estimates of Age at First Calving and Correlation Analysis in Angus Cows Bred in Hungary

Szabolcs Bene Judit Márton F. Szabó

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 24

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study aimed to examine the age at first calving (AFC) in Hungarian Angus herds. This study was conducted on the basis of data from 2955 registered cows, classified into five groups (based on different Angus types), and 200 breeding bulls, which were the sires of the cows. The data were made available by the Hungarian Hereford, Angus, and Galloway Breeders’ Association. The variance and covariance components, heritability, breeding value (BV), and genetic trends of AFC between 1998 and 2021 were evaluated. A general linear model (univariate analysis of variance) was used to examine the various effects, while best linear unbiased prediction was used to estimate the population genetic parameters and BV, and linear regression analysis was used for the trend analysis. The average AFC obtained was 28.1 ± 0.1 months (SD = 5.3 months), showing a relatively large variance (CV = 18.9%). The environmental factors that influenced the development of the phenotype were the cow’s birth season (28.99%, p < 0.01), cow’s birth year (28.7%, p < 0.01), the cow’s sire (18.32%, p < 0.01), and the herd (11.77, p < 0.05). The cow’s color variant (8.10%, p > 0.05) was not significant and did not influence the AFC in this study. The direct heritability of AFC (h2 = 0.51 ± 0.06) was higher than data in the literature (0.38 ± 0.05); however, the maternal heritability was low (h2m = 0.00 ± 0.03). The correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects was zero (rdm = −0.97 ± 1.00). The phenotypic trend of AFC increased by +0.03 months per year, which was not statistically significant. The genetic trend calculation showed no significant changes. Based on the h2 and BV results, it seems that selecting a suitable sire can effectively reduce the AFC of daughters. Since AFC is also an important trait in economic terms, it would be appropriate to include AFC BV in the bull catalog.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani14243715

Association of Production and Selected Dimensional Conformation Traits in Holstein Friesian Cows

Szabolcs Bene Gabriella Holló László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi F. Szabó

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2024-09-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 18

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of dairy production traits and that for dimensional traits and to calculate the correlation between the two heritability values in a Holstein Friesian cow herd bred in Hungary. Data of 15,032 Holstein Friesian cows born in the period 2008–2018 from 666 sires were collected for the study in 6 large dairy herds. Among the conformation traits, stature (ST), chest width (CW), body depth (BD), and rump width (RW), and for production traits, in the first lactation of cows, the 305-day milk yield (MY), milk butterfat yield (FY), and milk protein yield (MY) were evaluated. Heritability estimates of ST, CW, BD, and RW were 0.49, 0.25, 0.31, and 0.30, and those of MY, FY, and PY were 0.40, 0.35, and 0.30, respectively. BD and RW had no phenotypic (b = −0.01) or genetic (b = 0.00–0.01) change. The production traits (MY, FY, PY) increased to a greater extent (b = 2.2–43.3) than the examined conformation traits over time. Consequently, it is indicated that the selection for dairy production did not result in an increase in the studied dimensional traits.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani14182753

Population Genetic Features of Calving Interval of Holstein-Friesian Cows Bred in Hungary

Szabolcs Bene J. Péter Polgár László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi F. Szabó

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2024-09-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 17

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Calving interval (CI) data (N = 37,263) from 17,319 cows born 2008–2018 in six herds were assessed. The data were made available by the National Association of Hungarian Holstein Friesian Breeders in Hungary. The effects of some genetic and environmental factors, population genetic parameters, breeding value (BV) of sires, and phenotypic and genetic trends of the CI were estimated. The GLM method was used for studying different effects on the CI. BLUP animal model was used for heritability (h2) and BV estimation. Linear regression analyses were applied for the trend calculation. The mean of the CI was 412.2 ± 2.0 days. The h2 of the CI proved to be low (0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01). There were relatively high differences among the sires in the estimated BV. Based on the phenotypic trend calculation, the CI of cows showed decreasing direction by an average of 1.80 days per year (R2 = 0.94; p < 0.01). In the case of genetic trend calculation, the average BV of sires in the CI has decreased −4.94 and −0.31 days per year (R2 = 0.91 and 0.41; p < 0.01).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani14172513

Population genetic parameters and phenotypic trends based on soperformance tests data of native Gidran broodmares

Szabolcs Bene J. Péter Polgár László Rózsa Annamária Simon Dávid Mezőszentgyörgyi F. Szabó

Publication Name: Journal of Central European Agriculture

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 25

Issue: 3

Page Range: 620-632

Description:

Body measurement and some conformation data recorded in the national breeding mare performance test of the Hungarian Association of Gidran Horse Breeders were processed. The initial database contained the data of the entire Hungarian active (living) breeding mare stock (N = 293), which were born between 1994-2016 and were offspring of 44 breeding stallions. During the study, eight traits-height at withers measured with stick and tape (HWS, HWT), chest girth (CHG), cannon circumference (left fore/front) (CAC), pedigree score (PES), conformation score (COS), movement score (MOS), total score (TOS)-were evaluated. One-and multi-trait analysis of variance (GLM) and weighted linear regression analysis were used to process the data. The corrected mean values (± SE) of the examined traits were as follows: HWS 161.6 ± 0.4 cm, HWT 169.6 ± 0.5 cm, CHG 188.4 ± 0.7 cm, CAC 19.9 ± 0.1 cm, PES 29.1 ± 0.3 points, COS 72.8 ± 0.5 points, MOS 40.5 ± 0.4 points, TOS 142.4 ± 0.7 points. The heritability of HWS, HWT, COS and TOS was moderate and high (0.37-0.47), CHG and CAC proved to be moderate (0.29-0.31), while low h2 values were estimated for MOS (0.20). In the case of body measurements, moderate, decreasing trends (b =-0.25,-0.33,-0.35 and-0.08 cm/year, respectively; P < 0.01), for the other traits while stagnant (NS) phenotypic trends were observed. It can be concluded that the average body measurements as well as the results of the other examined traits for the Gidran breeding mares did not change essentially over time.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/25.3.4235

The Role of the Conformation of Holstein Cows in the Sustainability of Milk Production

Szabolcs Bene László Bognár Zsolt J. Kőrösi F. Szabó

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 745-750

Description:

The conformation of dairy cows, referring to their physical form and the arrangement of body parts, plays a critical role not only physiologically but also economically. It is intricately linked to key sustainability traits such as milk production, reproduction, and longevity. Research has revealed genetic correlations between body conformation traits and first lactation milk yield ranging from 0.48 to 0.54, and correlations between fertility and type traits vary from zero to 0.79. The relationships between productive life or herd life and type traits range from –0.06 to 0.16, with negative correlations observed for characteristics such as rump angle, rear leg set, udder depth, and teat length. Larger cows with slightly positive conformation traits are associated with longer herd life. Specifically, cows with well-attached fore udders, high rear udder attachment, strong central ligaments, close front teat placement, and moderately long teats are linked to the longest functional, productive lives. The heritability estimates for conformation traits are moderate, ranging from 0.20 ± 0.047 to 0.38 ± 0.04. These correlations and heritability values highlight the need for breeders to reassess and prioritise conformation traits within Holstein dairy cow breeding programs. By revising the traits scored and incorporating new ones during selection, breeders can indirectly improve milk production, reproduction, and longevity, enhancing the sustainability of milk production. This review paper aims to summarise current official type evaluation systems for Holstein cows, underscore the significance of various conformation traits in sustainable milk production, and propose potential enhancements to the scoring system.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114125

Relationship between Some Myostatin Variants and Meat Production Related Calving, Weaning and Muscularity Traits in Charolais Cattle

Márton Török Szabolcs Bene Gabriella Holló Edit Mikó Tamás Csürhés F. Szabó

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2023-06-01

Volume: 13

Issue: 12

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The slaughter value of live cattle can be assessed during visual conformation scoring, as well as by examining different molecular genetic information, e.g., the myostatin gene, which can be responsible for muscle development. In this study, the F94L, Q204X, nt267, nt324 and nt414 alleles of the myostatin gene (MSTN) were examined in relation to birth weight (BIW), calving ease (CAE), 205-day weaning weight (CWW), muscle score of shoulder (MSS), muscle score of back (MSB), muscle score of thigh (MST), roundness score of thigh (RST), loin thickness score (LTS), and overall muscle development percentage (OMP) of Charolais weaned calves in Hungary. Multi-trait analysis of variance (GLM) and weighted linear regression analysis were used to process the data. Calves carrying the Q204X allele in the heterozygous form achieved approximately 0.14 points higher MSB, MST and LTS, and 1.2% higher OMP, and gained 8.56 kg more CWW than their counterparts not carrying the allele (p < 0.05). As for the F94L allele, there was a difference of 4.08 kg in CWW of the heterozygous animals, but this difference could not be proved statistically. The other alleles had no significant effect on the evaluated traits.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani13121895

Characteristics of meat production traits in the Hungarian Simmental herd selected for the simultaneous improvement of milk and meat production

Szabolcs Bene J. Péter Polgár Ákos Kovács Zoltán Kovács-Mesterházy F. Szabó

Publication Name: Archives Animal Breeding

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 66

Issue: 3

Page Range: 233-244

Description:

Phenotypic and genetic trends, population genetic parameters, and the heritability and breeding values of the fattening and slaughter traits – namely muscularity score (MUS), final fattening weight (FFW), weight gain per day of life (WGD), slaughter weight (SLW), carcass weight (CAR), dressing percentage (DRP), bone–meat production per day of life (BMP), SEUROP conformation and fat coverage score (EUR, FAT), and meat percentage (MEP) – of 1162 Hungarian Simmental bulls were evaluated with the progeny test database of the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders. Trends were calculated by weighted linear regression analysis, while the population genetic parameters and breeding values used the BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction) animal model and general linear model (GLM). According to the results, the lowest heritability value (h2 = 0.23) was found in FAT. In the case of MUS, EUR and MEP, the values were moderate (h2 = 0.32, 0.26 and 0.32), and in the case of the other traits, high heritability values (h2 = 0.42–0.52) were estimated. The phenotypic trends of the fattening and slaughter traits of bull progeny born between 2001 and 2019 showed a stagnant direction. Between the sires, the differences in the breeding values for some traits (WDG, CAR and BMP) were large, and with other traits (DRP, EUR and FAT), small differences were found. According to the data of the genetic-trend calculation, the steepness values of the evaluated traits were positive, and the genetic trends showed a slightly improving direction in the estimated period.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5194/aab-66-233-2023

Genetic parameters of gestation length trait in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Szabolcs Bene P. Nagy F. Szabó Péter J. Polgár J. Juhász

Publication Name: Acta Veterinaria Hungarica

Publication Date: 2021-09-03

Volume: 69

Issue: 3

Page Range: 249-255

Description:

Gestation length (GL) data of dromedary camels were analysed for the period from 2007 to 2018. The database of the largest dairy camel herds (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) was used in this study. The data of 4,084 camels included in the assessment were classified into six ecotypes (Emirati, Emirati cross, Black, Pakistani, Saudi-Sudanese and Saudi cross). The aim of the study was to describe the heritability of GL of camels and the breeding value (BV) of sires for this trait. The genetic parameters of GL were estimated by the General Linear Model method and two Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) animal models as well. The mean (±SE) of GL of camels was 384.3 ± 0.2 days. The direct heritability of GL (0.26 ± 0.06-0.36 ± 0.08) was higher than the maternal heritability (0.00 ± 0.05-0.13 ± 0.06) obtained. The maternal permanent environmental effect (0.15 ± 0.05) was similar to the results estimated previously in dromedary camel, but higher than the data reported by relevant sources in other species. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that the GL of dromedary camels is a species-specific value similar to that in cattle, which is less affected by the maternal influence. Considerable differences (16 days) exist among male dromedaries in their BV for the GL trait.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00033

Relationship between direct and maternal genetic effects on weaning weight of Limousin and crossbred beef calves

Szabolcs Bene Eszter Szabó Márton Szűcs Judit Márton F. Szabó

Publication Name: Czech Journal of Animal Science

Publication Date: 2021-01-01

Volume: 66

Issue: 7

Page Range: 262-270

Description:

Population genetic parameters, direct and maternal breeding value, genetic trend in the weaning weight of Limousin beef cattle calves were estimated in the period 1992–2019. Data of 19 764 calves (15 437 purebred Limousin and 4 327 crossbred) were computed. Crossbred calves were sired by Limousin breeding bulls from Simmental dams. Calves in question came from 37 herds and from 240 sires in Hungary. DFREML and MTDFREML software was used for the estimation of population genetic parameters, BLUP animal model for breeding value estimation. Weighted linear regression model was used for describing genetic trends. The maternal heritability (h2m ± SE = 0.29 ± 0.03; 0.32 ± 0.10) was approximately half of the direct heritability (h2d ± SE = 0.63 ± 0.05; 0.68 ± 0.12). The direct maternal covariance is negative, the direct maternal genetic correlation coefficients (rdm ± SE = –0.80 ± 0.03 and –0.96 ± 0.07) are strong negative. The Spearman rank correlation between direct and maternal breeding value in purebred population is moderate and negative (rrank = –0.33; P < 0.01), in crossbred population it is strong and negative (rrank = –0.99; P < 0.01). According to direct and maternal breeding values of sires the genetic trend of the weaning weight of purebred and crossbred Limousin calves appeared stagnant during the examined period (b = +0.01 kg/year to +0.19 kg/year).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.17221/298/2020-CJAS

Environmental effects, population genetic parameters, breeding value, phenotypic and genetic trend for age at first calving of limousin cows

Szabolcs Bene Eszter Szabó Márton Szűcs Judit Márton F. Szabó Péter J. Polgár

Publication Name: Journal of Central European Agriculture

Publication Date: 2021-01-01

Volume: 22

Issue: 2

Page Range: 240-249

Description:

Some environmental effects, population genetic parameters, breeding value of Limousin breeding bulls, also phenotypic and genetic trends in the age at first calving (AFC) of cows between 1992 and 2013 were estimated. Data were served by the Limousin and Blonde d’Aquitaine Breeders Association, in Hungary. The study was extended to three herds and 1157 cows. GLM method was used for the study of different effects, the BLUP animal model for estimation of population genetic parameters and breeding values (BV), and one-way linear regression analysis for trend calculations. The overall mean value of the AFC was estimated to be 34.7±0.4 months. The contribution of the evaluated factors to the phenotype was as follows: herd 73.51%, birth year of cow 13.02%, sire 6.74%, birth season of cow 1.62%. The heritability of AFC proved to be low (h2 = 0.08±0.07 and h2 = 0.01±0.04). There were relatively small differences in the estimated BV of the studied sires for the AFC. Based on the phenotypic trend calculation, the AFC of cows decreased by an average of 0.33 months per year, however no significant change was found in the genetic trend during the study period.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/22.2.3161

Genetic parameters of birth weight trait in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Szabolcs Bene J. Péter Polgár P. Nagy F. Szabó J. Juhász

Publication Name: Tropical Animal Health and Production

Publication Date: 2020-09-01

Volume: 52

Issue: 5

Page Range: 2333-2340

Description:

Birth weight data of dromedary calves from the database of one of the world’s largest dairy herds (Dubai, UAE) were analyzed for the period from 2007 to 2018. The assessment included the data of 4124 camel calves that were classified into six ecotypes (Emirate, Emirate crossed, Black, Pakistanian, Saudi-Sudanian, and Saudi crossed). The aim of the study was to describe the heritability of birth weight of calves and the breeding value of sires. Genetic parameters of birth weight were estimated by ANOVA model and two BLUP animal models as well. The mean value of the camel calves’ birth weight was 34.75 ± 5.67 kg. The direct heritability of birth weight (h2d = 0.09 ± 0.04–0.11 ± 0.03) was rather low, so was the maternal heritability (h2m = 0.23 ± 0.10–0.50 ± 0.06). The maternal effect from environmental origin (c2 = 0.23 ± 0.08) far exceeded the results previously calculated in cattle. There was no difference in reliability between BLUP1 and BLUP2 models, and both of them were more accurate than the ANOVA model. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the birth weight of dromedary calves was more influenced by the dam’s intrauterine rearing capacity and by the environment, management, and feeding of the pregnant female camels than the hereditary growth potential. Considerable differences were found among male dromedaries in their breeding values for the birth weight trait.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02256-z

Ranking of beef cattle sires by their breeding value on progeny performance

Szabolcs Bene J. Péter Polgár Márton Szűcs F. Szabó

Publication Name: Journal of Central European Agriculture

Publication Date: 2020-01-01

Volume: 21

Issue: 4

Page Range: 697-706

Description:

The objective of this study was to rank Limousin sires by their different breeding values based on the weaning weight of their progeny. 205-day weaning weight record of altogether 18746 purebred and crossbred calves sired by breeding bulls of the mentioned breed were used for the estimation. Calves were belonging to three different groups by their genotype. Three different BLUP animal models were used for the estimation. According the results the direct heritability (h2) estimates of 205-day weight ranged between 0.49 and 0.59, while that of the maternal heritabilityd(h2) between m 0.24 and 0.45. The estimated breeding value of the given sires differed by the genotype (purebred or crossbred) of their progeny calves and the method of estimation. Also, there were differences in the rank of the sires depending on the genotype of their progeny, as well as the estimation methods.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/21.4.2821

Population genetic features of calving interval of the Limousin beef cattle breed in Hungary

Szabolcs Bene Eszter Szabó Márton Szűcs Judit Márton F. Szabó Péter J. Polgár

Publication Name: Acta Veterinaria Hungarica

Publication Date: 2022-07-06

Volume: 70

Issue: 2

Page Range: 113-120

Description:

Variance, covariance components, heritability, breeding values (BV) and genetic trends in calving interval (CI) of the Limousin population in Hungary were evaluated. A total of 3,008 CI data of 779 cows from three herds in 1996-2016 were processed. For influencing effects GLM method, for population genetic parameters and BV estimation BLUP animal model, for trend analyses linear regression was applied. The average CI obtained was 378.8 ± 3.1 days. The variance distribution components of the phenotype were as follow: age of cow at calving 34.30%, season of calving 26.09%, year of calving 23.00%, sire 7.45%, herd 3.23%, sex of calf 0.33% and type of calving 0.30%. The heritability of CI proved to be low (h2 d = 0.04 ± 0.02 and 0.03 ± 0.02; h2 m = 0.01 ± 0.02). The repeatability was low (R = 0.03 ± 0.02). Based on the phenotypic trend calculation, the CI of cows decreased by an average of 0.60 days per year (R 2 = 0.19; P < 0.05). In case of genetic trend calculation, the average BV of sires in CI increased 0.07 and 0.17 days per year (R 2 = 0.23 and 0.27; P < 0.05).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00008