The main aim of the thesis was to investigate phenotypic and genetic properties of, and relationships among functional traits; milk yield, milking speed, dry matter intake, body weight, and body condition score. To investigate these issues data were obtained from first lactation records of dairy cows stationed at the Chamau research farm of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland over the period of April 1994-2004 (n=320). In addition body condition scoring was done by Swiss Holstein Breeding Association, during May 2004- March 2005 for 7 times(n=55). Type traits were evaluated for Holstein cows (n=28). For comparisons of different statistical methodologies, simulations were made.