2021/02/25 by Jean Michel Astruc, Astruc, Jean-Michel, Catherine de Boissieu +42
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #0 #Functional longevity #Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock #Goats #Lactation #Persistency #Rusticity #Sheep
paper · doi:10.15454/3c2s-aw55
openalex publication_date 2021/02/25 · openalex created_date 2022/07/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
The breeding programs of small ruminants have successively included in their breeding objectives efficiency-related traits and then traits related with resistance to disease and udder morphology. There is now an increasing willingness to select for resilience or rusticity related traits. This is due to a growing concern in reducing the inputs, in anticipating the global warming consequences and keeping in line with the agroecology demand. This project studied two traits frequently highlighted by the stakeholders: functional longevity and milk yield persistency. For each trait, we assessed the genetic parameters, estimated the genetic correlations between traits and calculated breeding values. Additionally, a promising approach of persistency, based on valorisation of test-days and lactation curves, has been explored in goats. The results showed that selecting for functional longevity and persistency of the lactation is possible in small ruminants. The technical and economic assessment also underlined that it was desirable, especially when considering the breeders income. In order to anticipate and better pilot the genetic choices, an observatory of the culling causes of reproducers was implemented in dairy sheep and goats and in meat sheep, on an experimental basis. Its feasibility was assessed with the view to extend it on a larger scale. A first hierarchy of the culling causes was established and specifications proposed for a more massive deployment.