Breed comparisons and genetic parameters regarding dairy cattle health and welfare in pasture based production systems

Summary

Extract from attached abstract:
... results from the present study do not justify general utilization of HF sires from NZL to improve productivity and functional traits in grassland systems in Germany. Heterogeneous results were found with e.g. advantages for NZL_HF regarding health composites of feet and legs, but in contrast impaired udder health. The broad pool of German Holstein sires should be used to select specific sires for distinct environments and breeding goals, e.g. HF_DEU_P for grassland systems. Furthermore, the present study revealed genetic background for traits that are generally related to cattle husbandry and farm management, e.g. the welfare indicator THS.