ECONOMIC WEIGHTS FOR A SELECTION INDEX OF THE HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN BREED IN ECUADOR

Abstract

The Holstein Friesian genotype is the oldest registered breed in Ecuador. The objective of this research was to determine the economic weights of important productive and reproductive traits of the Holstein Friesian breed in Ecuador, in order to design a selection index for this breed under the economic system of local production. Economic values for milk production (PL), reproductive age at first calving (EEP), calving interval (IEP), growth (live weight, PV) and longevity (productive life, VP) were calculated for a dairy production system based on pastures in Ecuador. Economic values were estimated under two milk payment situations, based on the price per liter and on the price per kilogram of pasture produced. In the initial model, the economic values were 24,77 for PL ($USD / kg); -0,88 for EPP (days); 0,26 for IEP (days); -0,60 for PV (kg/cow); and 0,29 for VP (years/cow). With a 10% increase of the initial value, the economic value of PL increased (50.22), while price per kg of grass decreased (23.55). The estimated economic values showed important changes in terms of prices and quantity of milk production in the grazing production systems in Ecuador. From the economic point of view, the results obtained in this study can be used in genetic improvement programs on the traits that could be included in a selection index for the Holstein Friesian breed.