Genetic Analysis of Surti Buffalo for Production and Fertility Performance Traits

Abstract

Background: Simple univariate restricted maximum likelihood models were used to estimate the variance components for production performance traits of surti buffaloes reared under sub humid region. Records of 649 parity of 203 animals of 34 sires were taken to estimates the production and reproduction traits over a period 1993-2018. Methods: Season period and parity of calving had significant effect on production traits except lactation length which was mainly influenced by period of calving. The buffaloes that calved in winter season showed higher value for 305 DMY, peak yield and Lactation length and lower AFC. The heritability values were estimated by using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure as proposed by fitted an individual animal model, Sire model and repeatability model. Best linear unbiased prediction estimates of breeding values of individual animals were estimated by fitting animal model using WOMBAT statistical analysis software. Result: The estimates of heritability with standard error using repeatability model were found as 0.17±0.01 for 305 day milk yield, 0.34±0.08 for peak yield (PY), 0.19±0.17 for lactation length (LL). Repeatability parameter was estimated as 0.41±0.06 for 305DMY, 0.37±0.14 for peak yield, 0.25±0.14 for lactation length in Surti buffalo.The heritability for AFC was estimated as 0.18±0.08, 0.38±0.04 using sire and animal model, In animal model, heritability for AFC was found to be higher than sire model.