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Publication GSE

Evaluating functional longevity in dairy cows

Among the traits selected for dairy cows, functional longevity - i.e. the cumulative length of time a cow produces milk - occupies a special place: it reflects her contribution to the profitability of the herd, as well as her well-being. Of course, this is only known at the end of a cow's career. But longevity can be partially predicted from the traits that impact it, such as fertility or mammal health and morphology.

Laure-Hélène Maugan's thesis, published in Genetics Selection Evolution, has shown that it is possible to identify, from birth, young Montbeliarde females whose functional longevity is likely to be shorter, enabling a more informed choice of future cows in herds.

This work was carried out by the "Bovine Genetics and Genomics" team of the UMR de Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative - GABI (INRAE/AgroParisTech/UPSaclay, Jouy-en-Josas), in association with industry professionals (Institut de l'Elevage and Eliance) and with funding from the national agricultural and rural development program (CASDAR).

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See also

Maugan, LH., Rostellato, R., Tribout, T. et al. Combined single-step evaluation of functional longevity of dairy cows including correlated traits. Genet Sel Evol 55, 75 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-023-00839-6

Modification date : 15 December 2023 | Publication date : 15 December 2023 | Redactor : INRAE