László Bognár

58855148500

Publications - 7

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

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

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

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

Management of “Modern” Holstein Cows Focusing on Sustainability and Resilience – Review of Recent Achievements

László Bognár F. Szabó

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 169-174

Description:

Keeping Holstein cows requires a strategic approach that maximises milk production and promotes sustainability and resilience. As global demand for dairy products continues to grow, it is increasingly important to balance the development of the industry with environmental protection. Integrating genomics and targeted breeding strategies in dairy production can significantly improve sustainability and efficiency. Genomic selection uses deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information to predict the genetic value of an animal, allowing breeders to select beneficial traits such as disease resistance, longevity, fertility, and feed efficiency. This not only increases productivity but also reduces environmental burden. Tailored breeding strategies can improve herd health and productivity and ultimately reduce the environmental footprint per unit of milk. Managing “modern” Holstein cows with a focus on sustainability and resilience means implementing practices that promote animal welfare, minimise environmental impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of the dairy farm. In the context of modern Holstein cows, the term modern refers to Holstein cows that have been selectively bred and managed using contemporary agricultural practices and scientific advancements. These practices include the application of genomics, precision breeding programs, advanced dairy cattle health care techniques, and updated herd management practices. Modern Holstein cows have been adapted and bred to meet the demands of today’s dairy industry, considering factors like economic milk production, disease resistance, and environmental sustainability. The outcome of integrating genomics-targeted breeding and feeding strategies in Holstein cow management aims to enhance sustainability, productivity, and animal welfare, which would result in a more efficient and environmentally responsible dairy industry.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107029