Interbull Routine Genetic Evaluation for Conformation Traits

November 2005

Introduction

International genetic evaluations for conformation traits of Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey bulls from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Rep. of South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America were computed in this test evaluation.

New data (national genetic evaluations) included in this evaluation:

• The Netherlands and Germany included data on MRY bulls in the Holstein evaluation.
• Germany corrected an error in the computation of EDCs.
• The Czech republic repaired an error in the evaluations for rear-udder height, udder support, front-teat placement and teat length.
• In the joint evaluation of rear-teat placement for Denmark, Finland and Sweden data from Sweden is included (previously only Danish and Finnish data was included. An error in the trait overall udder (Ayrshire) was repaired.
• USA (all but Holstein) included the traits overall feet&legs and overall udder for the first time
• Switzerland (Red Holstein) added rear-leg rear-views
• Italy (Holstein) added rear-teat placement
• UK (Holstein) changed the definition of overall conformation trait.
• Canada changed several traits: angularity (all breeds), body depth (all breeds except Holstein), fore udder attachment (Brown Swiss)
• Rep. South Africa (Jersey) added rear-teat placement and rear-leg rear-view. They also modified contemporary group definition in the evaluation model, and included classifications from second lactation.
• Hungary changed standardization of breeding values.

Changes in Interbull procedures:

• None
   

Data and method of analysis

Data were national genetic evaluations of AI sampled bulls with daughters in at least 10 herds. Table 1, table 2, table 3, table 4 and table 5 presents the amount of data included in this Interbull evaluation for Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey, respectively. Table 6 gives trait definitions as provided by participating countries.

Estimated genetic parameters are shown in APPENDIX I, APPENDIX II, APPENDIX III, APPENDIX IV and APPENDIX V for Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey, respectively. Parameters are listed by trait and country.

National proofs were first de-regressed within country and then analysed jointly with a linear model including the effects of evaluation country, genetic group of bull and bull merit. Heritability estimates used in both the de-regression and international evaluation were as in each country's national evaluation (Table 6).

Ancestor-bulls without own proofs were traced back two generations from the oldest bulls with proofs in order to increase across country connections and account for the effect of selection.

Genetic groups were defined according to unidentified parents by national origin, breed and birth year of the bull and path of selection (sire, maternal grand-sire, maternal grand-dam). Birth year grouping was by 1-5 year periods. Smaller groups (consisting of less than 15 bulls) were combined.

Analysis followed a similar procedure as Mace for production traits.

Publication of Interbull evaluations

Results were distributed by the Interbull Centre to designated representatives in each country. The international evaluation file comprised international proofs expressed on the base and unit of each country included in the analysis. Such records readily provide more information on bull performance in various countries, thereby minimising the need to resort to conversions.

At the same time, all recipients of Interbull results are expected to honour the agreed code of practice, decided by the Interbull Steering Committee, and only publish international evaluations on their own country scale. Evaluations expressed on another country scale are confidential and may only be used internally for research and review purposes.

All recipients are also expected to follow the agreed guidelines for advertising genetic merit. The guidelines has been distributed to all members and is available on the Interbull homepage (www.interbull.org) under "Publications and Documentation/General information".

Next routine international evaluation

The next routine international evaluation for dairy production, udder health conformation, longevity and calving traits (Holsteins) is scheduled for February 2006. New data for the February routine run should reach the Interbull Centre not later than Tuesday January 31, 2006, 17:00 Central European Time (CET); in any case, the most recently received data will be considered. The target time for distribution of results for internal review to designated representatives, who have signed a confidentiality agreement with the Centre, is Thursday February 9, 2006. Official release date of the results is targeted to be Monday February 13, 2006.

Next test international evaluation

The next test international evaluation for dairy production, conformation, udder health, longevity and calving traits (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein) is scheduled for March 2006. Countries wishing to enter the system for the first time or planning to submit new information (modified national evaluation procedure, new breeds etc) for following routine evaluations must have their data tested in this test-run.

Deadline for sending data and validation results to the Interbull Centre for the next test-run is March 1, 2006 at 17:00 CET.

Means of result distribution from the Interbull Centre

Electronic exchange of data is probably more efficient than anything else. Currently most countries in the service have established internet connections and receive international evaluation results on the day of their release. Subscribers to the service that do not already exercise this option are encouraged to consider it and establish an internet connection and ftp account. When such accounts are available, please provide their specifications to the Interbull Centre. Until then, data will be delivered on CD-ROM's.

For more information about the international genetic evaluation service please contact the Interbull Centre:
address: SLU Box 7023, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; fax: +46-18-672648;

Please use Interbull_at_hgen.slu.se for all communication regarding Interbull services.