Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Weighted Single-Step Genome-Wide Association Study for Indicators of Colostrum Quality in Chinese Holstein Cattle

Colostrum is the milk harvested during the first few hours after calving, which contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors essential for the health of neonates. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the genetic background of colostrum quality traits (based on Brix percentage) in Holstein cows. Using phenotypic records of 58,338 Holstein cows from 37 dairy farms, we identified significant systematic effects influencing colostrum quality measured by digital Brix refractometer, estimated genetic parameters, and performed weighted single-step genome-wide association studies (WssGWAS) to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with these traits. The average (±SD) Brix percentage was 23.76 ± 3.25%. With heritability values ranging from 0.21 ± 0.03 (Brix in third parity) to 0.30 ± 0.02 (Brix in second parity), colostrum quality was determined to be moderately heritable. Genetic correlations between colostrum quality across parities ranged from 0.37 ± 0.14 to 0.81 ± 0.13. For colostrum quality from cows in the first, second, and third parities, WssGWAS enabled the identification of 30, 32, and 38 genomic regions explaining 4.18%, 4.42%, and 5.58% of the total additive genetic variance, respectively. Two immune-related genes (CNR1 and ZXDC) were identified as promising candidate genes for colostrum quality traits. In summary, colostrum quality measured in first parity cows should be evaluated as a different trait from measurements in later parities in breeding programs. These findings provide useful information for dairy breeders to genetically improve colostrum quality in dairy cattle populations.