Genetic parameters of feed efficiency in dairy goats under commercial conditions
Abstract
The economic importance of genetically improving feed efficiency has been recognized in dairy production. Feed efficiency is a genetically complex trait that can be described as units of product output (e.g. milk yield) per unit of feed input. Previous work showed that feed efficiency is heritable in many species. This study aimed to investigate the heritability for Residual Energy Intake in two breeds of dairy goats (Alpine and Saanen) under commercial conditions. Heritabilities were moderate for both breeds (0.18±0.08 in Alpine and 0.20±0.07 in Saanen).
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