Genetic correlations among body condition score, yield and fertility in multiparous cows using random regression models

Genetic correlations between body condition score (BCS) in lactation 1 to 3 and four economically important traits (days open, 305-days milk, fat, and protein yields recorded in the first 3 lactations) were estimated on about 12,500 Walloon Holstein cows using 4-trait random regression models. Results indicated moderate favorable genetic correlations between BCS and days open (from -0.46 to -0.62) and suggested the use of BCS for indirect selection on fertility. However, unfavorable genetic correlations between BCS and yields (from -0.16 to -0.71) indicated that selection on BCS would have deleterious effects on milk, fat, and protein yields, especially in lactation greater than 1.