Environmental and Genetic Parameters for Type Traits in Holstein Cows

Data consisted of 11 type appraisal traits for 51,044 Holstein first calf heifers with age at classification from 25 to 36 me. Effects of 10 rounds, 12 monthly ages at classification, 12 monthly stages of lactation, and 12 months (season) of classification were analyzed by leastsquares. Effects of these four environmental factors were significant in most eases although the squared multiple correlation for the complete model ranged from 1 to 3?0 for various type traits. Heritabilities from adjusted and unadjusted data were final score .19, .33; final classification .27, .28; general appearance .27, .28; dairy character .22, .23; body capacity .31, .31; mammary system .17, .19; fore udder .14, .17; rear udder .15, .16; legs and feet .07, .08; rump .33, .34; and body size .52, .55. Genetic correlations among type traits were positive and ranged from .06 between dairy character and legs and feet to 1.18 between final score and final classification. Phenotypic correlations were generally smaller than genetic correlations.