A Research on the Longevity Trait of Cattle Breeds, and Their Crossbreeds

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine some longevity criteria in pedigree herds in Türkiye. The material of the study consisted of the fertility records of 17220 cattle raised in 7 geographical regions of Türkiye in the years 2000-2014.  In the study, the main effects of the genotype and geographical region and the presence of interaction on all measurements, except the breeding efficiency, were found to be statistically significant. The mean and standard deviation were calculated as 28.6±5.0 months for the first calving age, 86.4±25.5 months for the herd life, 57.8±24.8 months for productive life, and 4.18±1.82 for the lactation number. The longevity index was determined as 55.4±10.2% and the breeding efficiency was determined as 59.6±12.8%. In general, Due to the fact that the phenomenon of genotype-region interaction is significant, subgroup statistics should be taken into account in the selection of breeds by region. The relationship of the first calving age with the longevity index and breeding efficiency was found to be low and negative, while the relationship with the herd life and productive life was found to be low and positive.