Random regression models using Legendre orthogonal polynomials to evaluate the milk production of Alpine goats.

The objective of this study was to identify the best random regression model using Legendre orthogonal polynomials to evaluate Alpine goats genetically and to estimate the parameters for test day milk yield. On the test day, we analyzed 20,710 records of milk yield of 667 goats from the Goat Sector of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa. The evaluated models had combinations of distinct fitting orders for polynomials (2-5), random genetic (1-7), and permanent environmental (1-7) fixed curves and a number of classes for residual variance (2, 4, 5, and 6). WOMBAT software was used for all genetic analyses. A random regression model using the best Legendre orthogonal polynomial for genetic evaluation of milk yield on the test day of Alpine goats considered a fixed curve of order 4, curve of genetic additive effects of order 2, curve of permanent environmental effects of order 7, and a minimum of 5 classes of residual variance because it was the most economical model among those that were equivalent to the complete model by the likelihood ratio test. Phenotypic variance and heritability were higher at the end of the lactation period, indicating that the length of lactation has more genetic components in relation to the production peak and persistence. It is very important that the evaluation utilizes the best combination of fixed, genetic additive and permanent environmental regressions, and number of classes of heterogeneous residual variance for genetic evaluation using random regression models, thereby enhancing the precision and accuracy of the estimates of parameters and prediction of genetic values.