Mathematical Modeling and Software Tools for Breeding Value Estimation Based on Phenotypic, Pedigree and Genomic Information of Holstein Friesian Cattle in Serbia.

In this paper, six univariate and two multivariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) models were tested for the estimation of breeding values (BV) in Holstein Friesian cattle in Serbia. Two univariate models were formed using the numerator relationship matrix (NRM), four using the genomic relationship matrix (GRM). Multivariate models contained only an NRM.

Genetic Parameters for Functional Longevity, Type Traits, and Production in the Serbian Holstein.

In this study, the authors focused on the evaluation of the genetic parameters of longevity, milk yield traits, and type traits in dairy cattle populations in the Republic of Serbia. The total dataset used consisted of production records and pedigree data for 32,512 Holstein cows that calved from 1981 to 2015. The animal model was applied to determine the variance and covariance components and genetic parameters of the analyzed traits by applying the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach and using the programs VCE6 and PEST.