Genetic parameters of type appraisal in Saanen and Alpine goats

Genetic parameters for linear type traits, scored from 1 to 9, were estimat ed using data corresponding to 7821 Saanen and 11494 Alpine first kidders s ired by artificial insemination bucks and classified between 1995 and 1999 by the French Breeders' Association "Caprigene". Studied variables included six traits related to body, feet and legs, and 11 traits related to udder and teats. Animal size, measured here as the thorax perimeter, had high her itability (0.41 for Saanen and 0.50 for Alpine). Feet and legs traits had l ow heritabilities (0.05 to 0.16) but udder traits and teat location traits had moderate heritabilities of about 0.30 and teat dimension traits had her itabilities over 0.40. Low genetic correlations were found between, on one hand, body, feet and legs traits and, on the other hand, udder and teat tra its. These traits can be grouped according to estimated genetic correlation s into: suspensory system, teat location and teat dimension. Most correlati ons between estimated breeding values (EBVs) for type traits and EBVs for m ilk yield were low, the exception being the antagonistic association found between EBVs for milk yield and suspensory system traits. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.