The influence of additive and nonadditive gene action on lifetime yields and profitability of dairy cattle.

Abstract Additive and nonadditive genetic effects on lifetime yields of milk and milk components and lifetime profitability were estimated from 5070 cattle in a Holstein pureline, an Ayrshire-based pureline, and 10 crossbred groups of these purelines. Lifetime yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose and lifetime milk value and annualized discounted net returns were analyzed. Lifetime yields, lifetime milk value, and annualized discounted net returns of the Holstein × Ayrshire-based line F 1 and an F 1 × (F 1 × F 1 ) cross were not significantly different from those for the Holstein pureline. Net reproductive rate for F 1 females was 9% greater than that of contemporary Holsteins. The Holstein pureline was superior to the Ayrshre-based pureline for direct additive genetic merit for all traits. Heterosis for the lifetime traits ranged from 16.6% for lifetime milk yield to 20.6% for annualized discounted net returns. Cytoplasmic maternal effect on annualized discounted net return was significant and favored the Ayrshire-based line. Potential economic benefit may derive from development of a crossbred cow that is superior to Holsteins. Maximum exploitation of additive and nonadditive genetic effects on lifetime yields and profitability appears to favor a rotational crossbreeding system with two breeds.