INTERBULL Routine Genetic Evaluation for Holstein Conformation Traits

August 2000

Introduction

The latest routine international evaluation for Holstein conformation traits took place as scheduled at the Interbull Centre. Data from thirteen (13) countries were included in this evaluation. Results were distributed on August 14, 2000, to designated representatives in the seventeen (17) countries currently subscribing to the service.

International genetic evaluations for 17 conformation traits of Holstein bulls from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America were computed in this evaluation.

Changes compared to the previous Holstein conformation evaluation

• The most recent national evaluation results for some traits in one country had to be excluded due to problems with the data, indicated by a major increase in estimated sire variance. Data from May 2000 was used for these traits.

• Some minor errors in the procedures to estimate genetic parameters were found and corrected, and phantom parent groups were treated random rather than fixed. This alleviated the problems with parameter estimation for country-trait combinations previously excluded and these are now included in this routine evaluation.

Data and method of analysis

Data were national genetic evaluations of AI sampled bulls with daughters in at least 10 herds. Table 1 presents the amount of data included in this Interbull evaluation, and Table 2 trait definitions as provided by participating countries.
Estimated genetic parameters are shown in APPENDIX I. 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 2).
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.

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 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.

Next routine international evaluation

The next routine international evaluation for dairy production and conformation traits is scheduled for November 2000. New data for that run should reach the Interbull Centre not later than November 3, 2000, 17:00 Central European Time (CET); in any case, the most recently received data will be considered. Results will be distributed on November 13, 2000.

Next test international evaluation

The next test international evaluation for dairy prodiction and conformation traits is scheduled for September 2000. Countries wishing to enter the system for the first time or planning to submit new information (modified national evaluation procedure, new breeds etc) for the following routine evaluation must have their data tested in this test-run.

Deadline for sending new data to the Interbull Centre for the next test-run is September 1, 2000.

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;

e-mail: Ulf.Emanuelson_at_hgen.slu.se

e-mail: Georgios.Banos_at_hgen.slu.se

e-mail: Freddy.Fikse_at_hgen.slu.se

e-mail: Hossein.Jorjani_at_hgen.slu.se

e-mail: Jan.Philipsson_at_hgen.slu.se

e-mail: Dan.Englund_at_hgen.slu.se