INTERBULL Routine Genetic Evaluation for Conformation Traits
November 2002
Introduction
International genetic evaluations for conformation traits of Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey bulls from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Rep. of South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America were computed in this routine evaluation.
New data (national genetic evaluations) included in this evaluation:
Changes in Interbull procedures:
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
and table 4 presents the amount of data included
in this Interbull evaluation for Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey,
respectively. Table 5 gives trait
definitions as provided by participating countries.
Estimated genetic parameters are shown in APPENDIX I,
APPENDIX II, APPENDIX
III and APPENDIX IV for 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
5).
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, udder health and conformation traits is scheduled for February 2002. New data for that run should reach the Interbull Centre not later than January 28, 2003, 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 February 6, 2003. Official release date of the results is targeted to be February 10, 2003.
Next test international evaluation
The next test international evaluation for dairy
production, conformation, and udder health traits is scheduled for March 2003.
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 to the Interbull Centre for the next test-run is March
1, 2003.
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 | Phone: | +46-18-671987 |
Thomas.Mark_at_hgen.slu.se | +46-18-671974 | ||
Hossein.Jorjani_at_hgen.slu.se | +46-18-671964 | ||
Freddy.Fikse_at_hgen.slu.se | +46-18-671994 | ||
Jan.Philipsson_at_hgen.slu.se | +46-18-671976 | ||
Dan.Englund_at_hgen.slu.se | +46-18-671968 |