Fifteen Zaraibi does (3-4 years old; live body weight: 32.69 ± 0.43 kg) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups fed three experimental rations supplemented with Bacillus subtilis, as a feed additive. The experimental period started 21 prepartum and continued until 180 days postpartum: R1 (Control, basal diet), R2 (Basal diet + 2 g B. subtilis/h/d), and R3 (Basal diet + 4 g B. subtilis/h/d). Dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition, and live body weight were recorded across three lactation stages (Early, mid, and late). Serum metabolites and rumen fluid parameters were determined. Compared to the control (R1), B. subtilis treated groups (R2 and R3) increased DMI during lactation stages. In rumen liquor of does, pH value and protozoa counts decreased (P<0.05), while concentration of ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acids, and total bacterial counts increased (P<0.05) by R2 and R3. Average daily milk yield was higher (P<0.05) in R2 and R3 than in R1. Milk fat, protein and lactose percentages were improved (P<0.05) by B. subtilis supplementation, Liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and serum metabolites (Cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, total protein, and albumin was not affected significantly by B. subtilis supplementation. Economic returns compared to the control were verified with using B. subtilis, as probiotic feed additive in goat’s diet.
Thirty Zaraibi kids goat with an initial body weight of 15.47 ± 0.047 kg were randomly distributed to three experimental groups for estimating feed utilization of diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilis, as a direct-feed microbial and its impact on growth. All groups were fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate feed mixture, Egyptian clover hay, and bean straw at proportions of 50, 25, and 25%, respectively. The control group (R1) received the basal diet, while both other treatment groups (R2 and R3) were fed the same diet supplemented with 2 and 4 g/head/day of B. subtilis, respectively, throughout 12-week experimental period. The outcomes showed that the added B. subtilis to the diets increased total intake of dry matter and nutrients digestibility. Kids in (R3) showed a significantly the highest nutrient digestibility coefficients. Total and daily body weight gain was significantly higher for the treatment groups (R2 and R3) than that of the control group. Feed conversion ratio improved in treated groups by 14.46% and 28.71% (R2 and R3, respectively) than that in the control group. Economic efficiency was highest in R3, highlighting the practical and economic value of probiotic inclusion in goat farming. It can be concluded that supplementation with B. subtilis, as a functional feed additive, for growing kids goat enhances feed utilization, thereby improving growth performance.
The current study was performed to determine the effects to dietary probiotic or enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of Gabali and V-Line rabbits. Fifty four 6-wk-old rabbits were randomly distributed into 6 experimental groups, each with three equal replications. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.0, 0.05 g/kg of an enzyme preparation or a probiotic and fed to rabbits to 13 weeks old. The rabbits were kept in wire cages, equipped with feeders and automatic nipple drinkers. Fresh water and pelleted diets were offered ad libitum and managed similarly. Growth performance of rabbits were estimated as live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Carcass traits, and some blood plasma parameters were also determined. The V-Line rabbits achieved significantly higher final LBW and FC, and exhibited slightly higher BWG than did the Gabali rabbits, irrespective of dietary supplements but FCR was not affected. Apart from rabbit breed, dietary enzyme supplementation led to a significant depression in BWG and FCR but LBW and FC were unaffected. But, added probiotic and rabbit breed by dietary supplements interactions had no effects on the growth performance of rabbits. Most estimated criteria of carcass and blood were not affected by dietary supplements, rabbit breed or their interaction. It can be concluded that V-Line rabbits can perform better than Gabali rabbits under Egyptian conditions with no urgent need to these dietary supplements.
This study estimated genetic parameters and evaluated non-genetic factors affecting some productive and reproductive traits in Maghrebi camels (Camelus dromedarius) under Egyptian conditions. A total of 518 lactation records of She-camels from 55 dams and 15 sires were analyzed. Non-genetic effects, including season of calving, parity, age at first service (AFS) and age at first calving (AFC), were assessed using a General Linear Model. Genetic parameters were estimated using a multi-trait animal model implemented in MTDFREML. Mean total milk yield (TMY) was 1560.7 ± 211.6 kg with a moderate direct heritability (h²a = 0.34) and substantial maternal heritability (h²m = 0.28). Lactation period (LP) showed a direct heritability of 0.18, while dry period (DP), number of services per conception (NSC), and calving interval (CI) exhibited low direct heritability values ranging from 0.13 to 0.16, indicating predominant environmental influence. Genetic correlations were strong and positive between TMY and LP (0.63), but weak between productive and reproductive traits (-0.11 to 0.15), suggesting that selection for milk yield can improve productivity without negatively affecting fertility. Estimated breeding values (EBVs) for TMY ranged from −386 to +199 kg in she-camels, demonstrating substantial genetic variability for selection. These findings highlight the potential for genetic improvement in milk production through selection, while reproductive performance may benefit more from improved management and environmental conditions. The results provide practical guidance for designing integrated breeding programs to enhance camel productivity sustainably under Egyptian conditions.
A 4-week study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary protein level and two feed additives (probiotic and enzymes) on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design, with a factorial arrangement of treatments (3×3), three dietary protein levels (24, 21.6 and 19.2%) without or with two feed additives was used. Quail chicks were kept in battery cages, fed their respective experimental diets and managed similarly from 2 to 6 weeks of age. In most weeks of study, live body weight, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of quails were not affected by dietary protein level or the tested feed additives. Similarly, most examined blood measurements were not altered by protein level or feed additives. Decreasing dietary protein to 19.2% increased serum total protein in male quails but decreased in females compared with the controls. Serum albumin decreased with decreasing dietary protein in females but not in males. Serum corticosterone levels increased in female quails due to reducing dietary protein but erratic differences were observed in males. Feeding enzyme- or yeast-enriched diets increased corticosterone levels in females but its concentration in males increased only due to feeding the yeast-enriched diets. Female quails fed yeast-enriched diets displayed lower serum albumin level and aspartate aminotransferase activity than the controls. In conclusion, dietary protein level can safely be reduced to 19.2% without compromising the growth performance or blood biochemical parameters with no urgent need to feed additives.
This study was investigated the impact of peppermint powder (PP) addition on productive and economic performance of rabbits. Twenty-seven rabbits were divided into three equal groups (n= 9 rabbits / group). The control group was received a basal diet with no additives of peppermint powder (PP0). While, the remaining two groups received peppermint powder as PP1 and PP2 at either 0.4 or 0.6 g of PP / kg basal diet, respectively. The PP1 rabbits were P≤0.05 the best body weight compared with either PP0 or PP2. Non- significant (P≥0.05) influence on total weight gains due to feeding on experimental dietary treatments. Feed conversion ratio for either PP1 or PP2 was P≤0.05 better than PP0. Performance index was significant (P≤0.05) enhanced PP1diet compared withPP0 and PP2 rabbits. Improving (P≥0.05) is caused in the serum biochemical, lipid profile and antioxidant capacity due to feeding either PP1 or PP2 compared with PP0 diet. Enhancing economic efficiency for either PP1 or PP2 rabbits compared PP0 diet.Conclusively, it could be recommended that using peppermint powder at a level of 0.4 gm/kg of basal diet has goodness for performance growing rabbits.Conclusively, it could be recommended that using basal diet add to PP could be a good tool for maximizing the growth performance, physiological status and immune response for growing rabbits.
This experiment investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with graded powder levels (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 g\kg diet) of Nano-turmeric for broiler chickens, on growth performance, carcass traits and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks. Reared 180 Ross 308 chicks were haphazardly distributed across five equal groups, each group, consisting of 36 unsexed birds with four replications (nine birds each). The results showed that Total LBW, BWG, FI and FCR have significantly improved by Nano Turmeric powder, compared with the control group. Carcass traits of 6-wk-old of broiler chickens did not significantly (P>0.05) affect by dietary Nano Turmeric powder. Also blood parameters recorded did not significantly (P>0.05) affect by dietary Nano Turmeric powder compared with the control group except for albumin, SOD and HI_ND. Using curcumin in nano-form led to a significant improvement in the properties and performance of intestinal villi compared to the control group. The obtain results refer to using Nano Turmeric powder supplemented for diets (up to 1.0 g/ kg diet) improve growth performance of broiler chicks without any adverse effect on carcass traits and blood parameters.
The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CEQ) and curcumin (CUR) or curcumin nanoparticles (CNP) on the productive and reproductive performance of Dokki-4 laying pullets. A total number of 198 Dokki-4 chickens (180 pullets: 18 cockerels) 25-wk-old were used. The basal diet was supplemented with CEQ (10 mg/kg), CUR (1.0 g/kg) or graded levels of NCP (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg); thus 6 experimental diets were compounded and used from 25 to 40 weeks of age. Regarding, egg production, the different levels of CNP (50, 100, 150 mg/kg diet), CEQ (10 mg/kg) and CUR (1.0 mg/kg) gave better result than control group. In addition, total egg mass and FCR was significantly improved due to feeding on 10 mg CEQ and 100 mg NCPL/kg diet compared to control diet. Dietary supplementation with CEQ led to a significant improvement in hatchability of fertile eggs compared with those fed the control diet but was insignificantly different from those of other dietary treatments. The highest means of total hatchability was attained by pullets enriched with CEQ (10 mg/kg), CNP (50 mg/kg) or CUR (1.0 g/kg) compared with the control group. Dietary treatments had no significant effects on most estimated blood biochemical parameters. It could be concluded that dietary fortification with CEQ (10 mg/kg) and NCP (50 or 100 mg/kg) for Dokki-4 pullets from 25 to 40 weeks of age can be used as effective supplements to maximize their productive and reproductive performance.
The present study was focused on evaluation of the most important non-genetic factors affecting longevity and lifetime production traits using multitrait linear animal model. A total of 2914 Friesian heifer records and their subsequent lactations until culled or died, cover the period from 1979 to 2013 were obtained from the history sheets of Friesian cows maintained at Sakha and El-Karada experimental stations. The effect of AFC on most of longevity and lifetime production traits was highly significant (P<0.001). The optimum AFC was 23-25 month for the maximum longevity and lifetime production traits. Summer season of first calving (July, August and September months) showed the lowest means of longevity and lifetime production traits, however spring season of first calving (April, May and Jun months) showed the highest means of the same traits. Longevity and lifetime production traits showed a decreasing trend with increasing SP1c. Longevity and lifetime production traits increased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing LP1c. Longevity and lifetime production traits increased linearly (P<0.001) with increasing lactation number completed.
This study compared the productive and reproductive performance of Friesian cows across two distinct commercial operations: The first farm (Farm 1) is classified as a large-scale, high-yield dairy operation (8,564 cows, ≈9,500 kg total milk yield TMY). The second farm (Farm 2) is classified as a medium-scale, moderate-yield dairy operation (2,531 cows, ≈5,500 kg TMY). The objective was to assess the interactive effects of parity, season of calving, and year on both farms. Results showed that summer calving optimizing TMY for 1st parity on both farms, while winter calving optimized TMY for 3rd parity on Farm 2. Moreover, Farm 2 maintained short, stable dry periods (DP ≈60−70 d), while Farm 1 showed historical DP failures in older cows. Both farms demonstrated successful, targeted improvements in 3rd parity efficiency by year (Farm 2 days open: 63.95 d), but shared a persistent challenge: poor reproductive performance in 1st parity heifers, especially those calving in spring. The findings underscore that optimal management requires a parity-specific, season-adjusted strategy tailored to the farm's scale, prioritizing biological stability over milk yield in moderate operations.
This investigation examined the effects of calf sex on hematological indices, metabolic biomarkers, thyroid hormone levels, and immune response indicators in Egyptian buffalo calves throughout the pre-weaning phase. The study involved fifty healthy neonates (23 males and 27 females), which were followed from birth through three months of age. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), complete blood count parameters, glucose, creatinine, total protein and its constituents (albumin, globulin, and the albumin-to-globulin ratio), in addition to triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄) concentrations. Results indicated significant sex-related differences in several parameters. Male calves showed higher IgM (0.71 vs. 0.64 g/L), IgG (12.46 vs. 12.23 g/L), total protein (6.77 vs. 6.14 g/dL), albumin (3.72 vs. 3.49 g/dL), globulin (3.04 vs. 2.65 g/dL), glucose (83.47 vs. 78.65 mg/dL), T₃ (49.82 vs. 46.32 ng/dL), and T₄ (6.30 vs. 5.55 μg/dL) compared to females. IgA levels were similar between sexes (0.25 g/L). In contrast, females exhibited higher creatinine (1.50 vs. 1.30 mg/dL) and albumin-to-globulin ratio (1.48 vs. 1.33). Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were comparable, although males tended to show slightly higher means (Hb: 13.21 vs. 13.14 g/dL; Ht: 40.61 vs. 40.46%). In conclusion, calf sex significantly affects hematological, metabolic, and immune traits in buffalo calves during early life. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating sex-related differences into neonatal health assessments and management strategies to optimize growth and survival.
Studying the effects of whole Moringa oleifera water soluble extract (WMOE) on genital characteristics, the ovarian follicular population and oocyte quality, hematological and biochemical parameters, and reproductive performance of New Zealand White (NZW) doe rabbits was the aim of this research. A total of 24 sexually mature doe rabbits were divided into 3 groups with eight doe rabbits in each. G1, which served as control group without treatment, G2 and G3 were administered WMOE at 60 and 120 mg/h/day for 21days pre the 1st mating. Three animals were slaughtered after 5 days of mating for the in vitro study. However, five doe rabbits were left to reach to parturition for in vivo study. Results revealed that both WMOE treatments (60 and 120 mg/h/day) significantly increased (P<0.05) oviduct weight, uterine weight and length, RBCs, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelets, WBCs and HDL, while decreasing triglycerides and LDL. Additionally, the 60 mg/h/day dose increased ovarian weight and width, number of small, large, and total follicles/ovary, number and percentage of compact oocytes/doe, conception rate, litter size, number of female and male kits, and sex ratio, and reduced AST, and ALT. Oviduct weight was higher (P<0.05) on left than in right side. Furthermore, no significant bilateral asymmetry was observed across all measured parameters (P>0.05). Consequently, the pre-mating administration of Whole Moringa oleifera Extract (WMOE) is concluded to be an optimal intervention for enhancing the overall health status and reproductive performance of NWZ rabbit does.
With the increasing demand for sustainability and environmentally conscious livestock production, there has been a considerable effort to investigate natural feed alternatives, especially phytogenic additives constituting medicinal plants and/or herbal extracts. Natural feed additives, which are abundant in bioactive compounds, such as essential oils and phenolics, represent a potential alternative due to their ability to modulate some aspects of animal physiology across various biological domains. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of natural feed additives, while focusing on the growing lambs, of the most economically important breeds, and their effects on animal performance, animal health, and molecular regulation. This review showed how the use of additives can improve lamb growth and feed efficiency and has immense benefits for metabolic and hematological health. Importantly, the review combined new evidence that showed how extracts influence gene expression and facilitate the management of certain, underlying processes, such as immunity, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation. Generally, the collective activities of mixed herbs often produce a powerful synergistic effect that delivers greater immunity and antioxidant effects than using a single plant. Ultimately, this review demonstrated the use of feed additives as a highly feasible and sustainable method of ruminant production.
As the livestock industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, there is a focused push to find natural feeding alternatives, chiefly those incorporating medicinal plants and herbal extracts known as phytogenic additives. These alternatives are characterized by high concentrations of bioactive compounds like essential oils and phenolics. They present a viable and attractive solution, given their capability to strategically modulate aspects of animal physiology across different biological domains. Empirical data compiled in this review confirms that phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) deliver broad positive effects on the health, productivity, and sustainability of goats. PFAs enhance feed conversion efficiency by increasing feed intake and body weight gain, and significantly improve milk production, and the nutritional value of milk by raising the level of healthy unsaturated fats. Functionally, they boost metabolic efficiency and sustainability by decreasing enteric methane gas production, optimizing rumen function by increasing propionic acid levels, and stabilizing systemic metabolism by balancing serum glucose and alleviating metabolic stress. Furthermore, PFAs strengthen the animal's defense mechanisms by enhancing the immune response through the stimulation of circulating immunoglobulins and adaptive immunity, while also operating at a molecular level to stimulate the expression of antioxidant genes and growth factors and repress pro-inflammatory gene products. Ultimately, PFAs represent a secure and effective strategy for promoting a sustainable and healthy goat production system.
The study aimed to identify value chains of meat production from cattle and buffalo in Monoufia governorate, representing the Nile Delta region of Egypt, conclude factors affect prices balance, and supply meat at reasonable prices to the consumers. A structured questionnaire was developed to gather information of production systems. Using analytical methods, factors affecting meat prices were determined. Total herd size was significantly (P<0.0001) affected by producers` education level and farm size, meanwhile producers` experience was non-significant. Profitability was reported at 8816 LE per fattened calf for cattle and 5100 LE for buffalo. Concentrate rations represented the highest cost, reaching 30232 LE during the fattening period. Fattening scheme to produce 450 kg "Kandos" live weight was followed by the producers; it is preferred by the consumer as well sells at an appropriate price for the producer. Meat prices recorded 360 LE/ kg delivered to the consumer compared to an average of 145 LE as live weight of cattle at the producer level. Buffalo meat recorded 360, and 116.25 LE at the consumer and producer levels, respectively. Results of the study proved deficiency in production inputs, and livestock supply leading to high meat prices. The necessity of the private sector to integrate into meat production has been reported; however role of "livestock insurance fund" in finance feed-stuff and animal treatment. Governmental intervention to monitoring livestock markets concerning stabilizing meat prices impacts market infrastructure. Initiating market database to inspect price manipulation implied by traders and intermediaries is extremely recommended.
This study aimed to evaluate the genetic and phenotypic trends of heifer and first-lactation cow traits using a multi-trait animal model. Data were obtained from 2,914 performance and pedigree records of Friesian heifers and first-lactation cows collected between 1979 and 2013 at the Saka and El-Karada experimental stations, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, under the Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt. Linear regression of breeding values on year of first breeding revealed unfavorable genetic trends for age-related reproductive traits, with annual increases of 2.51, 0.18, and 0.09 days/year for age at first breeding (AFB), age at successful service (ASB), and age at first calving (AFC), respectively. In contrast, favorable improvements were observed for heifer fertility traits, including number of services per conception (NSC0; –0.01 unit/year), conception rate (CR0; +0.16%/year), and service period (SP0; –0.34 days/year). For cows, desirable genetic changes were detected for NSC1 (–0.09 unit/year), CR1 (+0.19%/year), and SP1 (–0.69 days/year), whereas unfavorable trends were noted for calving to first service interval (CFS1; +0.49 days/year) and days open (DO1; +0.44 days/year). Milk yield traits demonstrated consistent positive genetic progress, with annual increases of 2.41 kg, 14.9 kg, and 1.71 kg for 305-day milk yield (M3051), total milk yield (TMY1), and daily milk yield (DMY1), respectively. However, an unfavorable decline of –1.7 days/year was recorded for lactation period (LP1). Phenotypic trends closely paralleled the genetic results, confirming the observed patterns of change across the study period.
Impact of using rotifers Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia nauplii as a live feed on growth and survival % of European sea bass larvae (Dicentrarchus labrax) was investigated. Sea bass weighing 2.4 ± 0.10 mg and 2.3 ± 0.1 mm body length were placed in 12 tanks, for 30 days at density (10, 30 rotifers and 5, 10 artemia /ml3), treatments were: low rotifers, low artemia(LRLA); high rotifers, low artemia(HRLA);low rotifers, high artemia(LRHA); and high rotifers, high artemia(HRHA).The SR % of was raised to 56.29% by HRHA. Length gain (LG), weight gain(WG),average daily gain (ADG)and specific growth rate (SGR %) increased significantly (P < 0.05); it can be suggested to implement a proper live feed program that feeds high quantities of rotifers and artemia to D. labrax larvae. The second trial was to study the effect of replacing feed protein with fresh mealworm protein on growth performance, S%, feed utilization, and carcass chemical composition of European sea bass fingerlings. The diets were T1, fed on basal diet only; T2; T3 and T4, were fed with a diet in which the total protein was substituted with 20, 40 and 60% respectively with fresh mealworms. FW, WG and SGR% affected as a result of live aquafeeds addition, the optimum growth was obtained at 20% mealworm. The best FCR was obtained at 20% and 0% replacing. These results indicate that adding mealworm larvae in small proportions (replace 20% of total protein) and in fresh form improve growth rates and feed utilization for D.labrax fingerlings.
The aim of the present study was to access livestock markets determinants of cattle and buffalo through marketing channels looking for the rationale to improve the marketing process, thereby selling and purchasing criteria and benefits distributed to the located respondents. Three livestock markets were included in the study representing the Delta Nile region of Egypt in the Monofia and Qualuobia governorates. SWOT analysis was performed as a strategy to identify internal factors (S, W) and internal factors (O, T). Statistical analysis was designed to differentiate respondents' characteristics and livestock values. Socio-economic traits of the respondents verified showed significant effect (P<0.05) of occupation, years of experience, livestock type and foundation, while education level was non-significant. Significant effect (P<0.05) was reported on perceived cattle and buffalo livestock prices where fattened calves amounted 82 (000 LE/ head) of cattle, and 69 of buffalo. Gross margins were represented an average of 17300 and 11000 LE per head of fattened cattle and buffalo calves, respectively. Producers, who incorporated origin of the production systems, were impacted on their income by competition between traders, intermediaries and brokers within the markets. Results of the study showed that officials have taken a role to enhance producers` capabilities to deal with training courses and allowed marketing services. Markets infrastructure has to be initiated instigating database integrated livestock values limitations. Linkage between authorities and stakeholders to approach a road map of rising returns in spectacle of products quality and demonstrate food safety conceptions were recommended.
The present study was performed to evaluate effects of feeding diets enriched with anise seeds (AS), peppermint leaves (PL), black cumin seeds (BCS) and their combination on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into eight treatments, each with four replications. From day one to five weeks of age, eight different diets were used since two basic diets were developed that contained AS, PL, and BCS powders (0.0 or 1.0 g/kg) and their combinations. AS supplementation did not significantly affect the broiler's body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake (FI), or live body weight (LBW). Feeding the PL-enriched diet to broilers positively affected final LBW, FI, and BWG but had no effect the FCR compared with the control group. Broilers fed BCS-supplemented diet resulted in a significant increase in their FI and slightly improved LBW and BWG but did not improve their FCR. Feeding admixture of AS, PL and/or BCS slightly improved broiler growth performance. Dietary treatments didn't affect percentages of carcass yield, heart, immunity organs, proventriculus, jejunum, and ceca but the relative weights of liver, gizzard, pancreas, duodenum and ileum were significantly affected. Dietary supplementation with the tested medicinal plants caused erratic significant differences in blood parameters but the level of cholesterol was not affected. It can be concluded that peppermint leaves and black cumin seeds can be used as growth promoters for broilers without adverse effects on their carcass traits or immunity.
This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for fertility traits in Friesian heifers and traits associated with their first lactation. Data from animals that calved between 1979 and 2013 at Saka and El-Karada stations were analyzed using a multi-trait linear animal model.The heritabilities (h²) of fertility traits in both heifers and cows were generally low. For virgin heifers, the heritabilities of age-related traits (AFB, ASB, and AFC) were slightly higher (0.152, 0.161, and 0.163, respectively) compared to other fertility traits such as NSC0, CR0, and SP0 (0.027, 0.019, and 0.022, respectively). In cows, heritability estimates for NSC1 and SP1 (0.044 and 0.035, respectively) were higher than those for heifers. Genetic correlations among traits were notably high, including correlations between NSC0 and CR0 (-0.903) and SP0 (0.951), and between AFB, ASB, and AFC (0.994–0.997) in heifers. Similarly, strong correlations were observed among cow traits, such as NSC1 with SP1 (0.925) and DO1 (0.980), CR1 with SP1 (-0.994) and DO1 (-0.918), and SP1 with DO1 (0.976). These results suggest that fertility traits in both heifers and cows can be included in genetic selection. Notably, selecting heifers based on age-related traits (AFB, ASB, and AFC) may encourage earlier maturation in cows.
