The first lactation records of 480 crossbred cattle sired by 41 sires were studied to estimate the average breeding values of crossbred daughters in order to rank the sires based on the estimated breeding values. First lactation traits included were age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), first calving interval (FCI), first lactation period (FLP), first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation 305 days milk yield (FL305DMY), first lactation peak yield (FLPY) and first lactation days to attain peak yield (FLDAPY). The Least squares method (LSM) was used to obtain the estimates of breeding values. The estimated breeding values (EBVs) of sires showed genetic variation between sires for first lactation traits. The estimated breeding values (EBVs) for first lactation traits ranged from 1143.24 days to 1408.33 days. The accuracy of LSM was judged by using Pearson’s (product moment) correlation and Spearman (rank) correlation methods. The product moment correlation and rank correlation among the EBVs of sires for various first lactation traits were statistically significant for most of the first lactation traits suggesting that LSM method was accurate and efficient in evaluating as well as ranking the sires for first lactation traits.

Highlights

• Breeding values of sires were estimated based on first lactation traits of their crossbred daughters in order to rank the sires.
• The present investigation was made to select the superior bulls of high genetic merit for breeding and herd improvement and the results were summarised in this manuscript.