Why do some cows remain productive in the herd for many years while others are culled after producing only one or two calves? This article explains the economic importance of longevity and how SA Stud Book developed breeding values to identify cattle with the genetic potential to remain fertile, healthy and productive. Using Nguni cattle records from Logix, the authors describe how repeated observations, pedigree information and contemporary groups help distinguish genetic merit from environmental influences. The results show positive genetic progress in longevity and explain how this trait can strengthen the Cow Value selection index.
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