Factors affecting variation in reproductive traits in five breeds of dairy cattle

Abstract

Maintaining a calving interval of twelve months or less is econmically important to the dairyman. Therefore, it is important to know what measure or measures of reproductive efficiency require his managerial abilities. This study was undertaken to summarize reproductive events leading to parturitino in the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus dairy herd. Obtaining estimates of heritability were also desired to better understand the effectiveness of possible selection for measures of reproductive efficiency.