SA Holstein Population Pedigree
Description
Dataset description and access The dataset contains longitudinal pedigree and life‑history records of South African Holstein dairy cattle (1945-2020) derived from the INTERGIS database under the Dairy Cattle Improvement Scheme. Key variables include animal ID, date of birth, sire and dam IDs, animal section, geographic region, dam age at calving, and date of death. The data enable reconstruction of pedigrees and tracking of demographic, reproductive, and survival traits across generations. Access is restricted and available upon request through the corresponding author. Research hypothesis The study tested whether increasing inbreeding driven by intensive selection and use of elite sires reduces genetic diversity and increases stillbirth incidence. It was hypothesised that inbreeding would rise over generations, effective population size would decline, and stillbirth risk would increase with higher inbreeding levels. Key findings Pedigree completeness was high (~82%), supporting reliable multigenerational analyses. Inbreeding prevalence was low (0.48%), with declining inbreeding rates and increasing effective population size over time, indicating improved genetic management. Mean stillbirth incidence was ~3.5%, with substantial herd-level variation; about 70% of herds recorded no stillbirths. Although stillbirth incidence increased in recent generations, this likely reflects improved data recording and production intensification. No significant association was detected between inbreeding and stillbirth. Interpretation The data suggest that stillbirth incidence is not driven primarily by inbreeding within the observed range. Instead, environmental and management factors are likely dominant. The low level of inbreeding limits detection of inbreeding depression. Increasing stillbirth trends over time should be interpreted cautiously, as they may reflect improved reporting rather than biological decline. Use of the data The dataset can be used to: Monitor inbreeding trends and genetic diversity Evaluate population structure and pedigree completeness Support breeding and herd-management decision-making Serve as a teaching resource in animal and population genetics
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Institutions
- University of Limpopo Faculty of Science and AgricultureLimpopo, Sovenga