Jose Solis Ramirez

Citation

Thesis Title
A Genetic Improvement Programme for New Zealand Dairy Goats

Read article at Massey Research Online:

The establishment of an effective genetic improvement programme is important for all modern animal production industries. The New Zealand dairy goat industry does not currently have a co-ordinated programme aimed at genetically improving performance in economically important traits. Mr Solis-Ramirez investigated several mathematical models for lactation trait curves and developed a bio-economic model for identifying economically important traits. He calculated moderate to high estimates of genetic parameters, which suggested moderate favourable responses to selection for increased milk solids and reduced somatic cell score. In addition, he used a selection index to examine genetic gain and responses in economically important traits for pedigree and progeny testing selection schemes. Selection using progeny testing resulted in higher net income for farmers on a per milking doe basis. Mr Solis-Ramirez’s research provides a platform for improving the New Zealand dairy goat industry’s profit per milking doe.

Supervisors
Professor Hugh Blair
Professor Nicolas Lopez-Villalobos