INBREEDING IN GERMAN-GELBVIEH AND GERMAN- BRAUNVIEH

Development of inbreeding was examined in German Gelbvieh and German B raunvieh using inbreeding coefficients that are calculated routinely f or all animals in genetic evaluations for yield traits. In both, Gelbv ieh and Braunvieh, level of mean inbreeding was low but steadily incre asing. Mainly an increase in number of animals having low inbreeding c oefficients (< 2 %) was observed; close inbreeding is avoided by breed ing programs. Estimates of inbreeding depression were -7,8 kg to -9,9 kg of milk, -0,26 kg to -0.39 kg of fat and -0,26 kg to -0,37 kg of pr otein for Gelbvieh within first to third lactation. In Braunvieh the e stimates were -10,1 kg to -13,1 kg of milk, -0,36 kg to -0,51 kg of fa t and -0,35 kg to 0,47 kg of protein. In addition cows culled after fi rst lactation showed higher mean inbreeding compared with cows with th ree or more lactations. Consequences for breeding policies are discuss ed.