INTERBULL Routine Genetic Evaluation for Holstein Conformation Traits
August 1999
Introduction
International genetic evaluations for 17 conformation traits of Holstein bulls from
Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United
Kingdom, and the United States of America were computed in this evaluation.
Experiences from the first test-run (May 1999)
Data from four additional bull populations were submitted to the first Interbull test-run for conformation traits. There were problems estimating reasonable genetic correlations for these populations because of the following reasons:
A combination of the above was frequently the cause of the problem.
As result, data from these four populations were not included in this routine evaluation.
Interbull and the technical coordination group for conformation traits are currently
working on improving the method and developing an appropriate procedure for applying the
method to international genetic evaluations. Monitoring trait definition changes over time
in participating countries is also planned.
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 may only be used for internal purposes.
Next routine international evaluation
The next routine international evaluation for dairy production and conformation traits is scheduled for November 1999. New data for that run should reach the Interbull Centre not later than October 29, 1999, 17:00 Central European Time (CET); in any case, the most recently received data will be considered. Results will be distributed on November 8, 1999.
Next test international evaluation
The next test international evaluation for dairy prodiction and conformation traits is
scheduled for September 1999. 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, 1999.
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