Relationship between longevity and conformation traits in Holstein breed (Review)

Abstract

An overview and analysis of bibliographical data about relationship between conformation and longevity in the Holstein cattle was given. The genetic improvement of the dairy cattle pays more and more attention on the longevity since, it has effect on the profitability of this sector. Selection on the conformation traits can be an option to improve the longevity, in spite of its low heritability. There is clear evidence that the description of the conformation traits of the dairy cattle with long lifetime differs among the countries. This can lead back to different breeding goals, selection methods, environmental factors and the used statistical analysis. At the same time it is evident to examine the conformation traits in a given herd or in a given country and necessary to use it for estimation of breeding values for longevity.