Test-Day Model Heritabilities for somatic cvell score and production traits in primiparous Valle del Belice sheep

Abstract

A repeatability test-day animal model was used to investigate heritabilities of somatic cell score (SCS) and milk production traits in Valle del Belice sheep. The heritability estimate for SCS falls within the range reported in literature (0.14±0.03), while estimates for milk production and composition traits were below those obtained by others, 0.12±0.03, 0.09±0.02, 0.14±0.03, 0.14±0.03, and 0.12±0.03, respectively, for milk yield, fat %, fat yield, protein %, and protein yield. Flock-test-day had a substantial effect on milk production traits but not on SCS. These results provide the basic parameters required for discussion of selection strategies and objectives in Valle del Belice sheep.