Bayesian estimates of genetic effects on calf survival in Hardhenu (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to carry out a risk analysis and Bayesian estimates of genetic effects on calf survival in Hardhenu cattle using data records of 2593 calves born to 102 sires and 790 dams over 25 years. The Bayesian analysis using Gibbs sampling was employed towards threshold animal models to estimate direct and maternal effects on animal survival of studied population. The results showed that mortality from birth to 3 months of age (S1), birth to 6 months of age (S2) and birth to 12 months of age (S3) was 10.22, 12.88 and 14.65%, respectively. It was revealed from the results of logistic regression analysis that the male animals had greater risk (1.41–1.61 times) of mortality during S1, S2 and S3 as compared to female animals. However, calves born during rainy season had higher risk (1.36 to 1.44 times) of mortality than calves born during winter season. Among died animals, the simultaneous infection of respiratory and digestive diseases had leading contribution (26.84%–30.19%) to deaths while alone of them contributed to 18%–20% only. On evaluation of six threshold animal models, model 1 was found to be most appropriate model and the Bayesian estimates (95% highest posterior density confidence intervals) of direct additive heritability for S1, S2 and S3 under model 1 were 0.15 ± 0.07 (0.04–0.23), 0.23 ± 0.12, (0.02–0.44) and 0.26 ± 0.06 (0.08–0.41), respectively. It was concluded that the inclusion of survival traits in existing selection criteria may be helpful to increase calf survival and ultimately economic gain in the dairy herd.