[Relationship between heterozygosity as estimated from genetic markers and fertility in cattle : I. Estimation and dimension of heterozygosity in german cattle breeds].

Blood groups and biochemical markers were used to estimate heterozygosity in cows of Bavarian Fleckvieh (spotted upland), Braunvieh (brown), Hinterwälder and a Holstein-Friesian herd. These groups showed little difference in the estimated degree of heterozygosity which averaged around 35-40%. Within groups considerable variability of the estimated percentage heterozygosity existed. The range of estimated values extended from less than 10% to more than 70%. The group average of heterozygosity as estimated from the individual bloodgroups and biochemical markers exceeded the value estimated from population gene frequencies of the various loci. It is concluded that adult animals are more heterozygous than the average of the original calf (or embryo) population.