Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Micro-Environmental Sensitivities of Production Traits in Holstein Cows Using Two-Step Method

Context The request for more uniform animal products, which is motivated chiefly by economic reasons, has enhanced the interest in decreasing variability of characters via selection. In the present dairy operation, breeding dairy cows which have strong resistance against environmental changes for main traits is very important. Aims The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for heterogeneity of residual variance in milk yield and composition of Iranian Holstein cows. Methods The dataset included 305-day production records of cows which were provided by the Animal Breeding Center and Promotion of Animal Products of Iran between 1983 and 2014. In two-step method, univariate analyses were conducted to estimate variance components for 305-day production traits. Then, genetic variability of residual variances was estimated. Key results Estimates of heritability for micro-environmental sensitivities of milk, fat and protein yields in the first three lactations of Holstein cows were low and equal to 0.043, 0.028 and 0.039; 0.031, 0.019 and 0.024; 0.027, 0.016 and 0.019 respectively. Considerable genetic coefficient of variations of residual variance for above mentioned traits (0.261, 0.247 and 0.218; 0.221, 0.204 and 0.194; 0.219, 0.199 and 0.178 respectively) indicated significant additive genetic variation for micro-environmental sensitivities. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that micro-environmental sensitivities were present for milk production traits of Iranian Holsteins. High genetic coefficient of variation for micro-environmental sensitivities indicated the possibility of reducing environmental variation and increase in uniformity via selection. Implications Reduction of environmental sensitivities would increase the predicted performance of animals and decreased corresponding threats for dairy farmers.