Short communication: Genetic characterization of digital cushion thickness

摘要: Abstract Dairy cow lameness is a serious animal welfare issue. It also significant cause of economic losses, reducing reproductive efficiency and milk production increasing culling rates. The digital cushion complex structure composed mostly adipose tissue located underneath the distal phalanx has recently been phenotypically associated with incidence claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL); namely, sole ulcers white line disease. objective this study was to characterize thickness genetically investigate its association body condition score (BCS), locomotion (LOCO), CHDL, production. Data were collected from 1 large closely monitored commercial dairy farm in upstate New York; 923 cows used. Before trimming, following data by member research team: BCS, height measurement, LOCO. Presence or not CHDL (sole ulcer disease, both) recorded at trimming. Immediately after hoof trimmed, they underwent sonographic B-mode examination for measurement thickness. Factors such as parity number, stage lactation, calving date, mature-equivalent 305-d yield (ME305MY), pedigree information obtained farm's management software (DairyCOMP 305; Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA). Univariate models used obtain variance component estimations each studied trait (CHDL, average, LOCO, height, ME305MY) 6-variate analysis conducted estimate genetic, residual, phenotypic correlations between traits. heritability DCTA 0.33±0.09, whereas statistically genetic correlation estimated (−0.60±0.29). Of other correlations, estimates derived BCS LOCO (−0.49±0.19) ME305MY (−0.48±0.20). Digital moderately heritable strongly correlated CHDL.