Genetic and Economic Evaluation of Progeny Testing Selection Programs with Different Levels of Artificial Insemination and Milk Recording for Breeding of Khuzestani Buffalo

In this study, in order to genetic and economic evaluation of the progeny testing selection program and the usual selection program of buffaloes in Khuzestan, 3000 buffalo cows were simulated using R program. In each progeny test programs, different levels of milk recording (100, 80, 50 and 20%) and artificial insemination (100, 80, 50 and 20%) were used and in usual program, the selection was based on pedigree information of male calf and its mother milk production. In the selection index, two traits of milk production and fat percentage were considered. The studied programs were compared based on genetic improvement, production changes, total genotypic value and costs and revenues of programs. In study of selection programs, it was observed that with increasing the proportion of herds covered by artificial insemination, genetic progress and changes in total genotypic value were increased in progeny testing programs. This increasing was also observed for the cost and revenue of each of considered programs. In addition to artificial insemination, the milk recording system was also effective in increasing the two parameters of cost and revenue. However, the additional costs of using milk recording system and artificial insemination were offset by increased revenue from performance of better buffaloes. In general, based on changes in total genotypic value, genetic improvement of milk production and minimum cost and maximum income of the programs, the progeny testing selection program with 20% of milk recording and 100% of artificial insemination was selected for buffalo herds as the suitable progeny testing program.