Genetic principal components for reproductive and productive traits in dual-purpose buffaloes in Colombia.

A multitrait model (MC) and 5 reduced-rank models with principal component structure (components PC, PC, PC, PC, and PC) were compared. The objectives were to determine the most appropriate model for estimating genetic parameters and to evaluate the genetic progress of dual-purpose buffaloes in Colombia using that model. The traits evaluated were weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (W12), weight at 18 mo of age (W18), weight at 2 yr of age (W24), age at first calving (AFC), and milk yield at 270 d of first lactation (MY270).

Genetic Evaluation of Dual-Purpose Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Colombia Using Principal Component Analysis.

Genealogy and productive information of 48621 dual-purpose buffaloes born in Colombia between years 1996 and 2014 was used. The following traits were assessed using one-trait models: milk yield at 270 days (MY270), age at first calving (AFC), weaning weight (WW), and weights at the following ages: first year (W12), 18 months (W18), and 2 years (W24). Direct additive genetic and residual random effects were included in all the traits.