The World's source for Bovine Genetics
SELECTIONS - Spring 2007

May 2007 Genetic Evaluations
to See Many Changes

Improvements are being made in the production and type evaluations for May that will impact the rankings of both bulls and cows. New methods include more data and result in evaluations that are more stable and consistent with genetic evaluations in other countries. USDA’s new all-breed animal model makes more records available for Brown Swiss and Jersey sires. Below is a summary of changes being made and what is expected for the Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss breeds:

Holstein

The all-breed animal model will affect Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) due to the use of new genetic parameters. Holstein active-A.I. sires will change an average of -.3 DPR. In addition, more herds will receive a specific herd variance adjustment based on their own records and fewer herds will receive the general (regional) variance adjustment. By using more complete pedigree data and new programming, PTAT evaluations will be improved. More stability in proofs will be seen from first to second crop. Among the top- 400 TPI sires, the average increase in Type is +0.4. Younger bulls, younger cows and second-crop bulls will see a higher increase. Also, Udder Composite (UDC) will be expanded to include rear teat placement and the TPI formula will see changes with more emphasis placed on Productive Life and DPR.

Jersey and Brown Swiss

USDA's change to the all-breed animal model will cause a decrease in Jersey and Brown Swiss PTAs. Much of the decrease is due to the proper adjustment of heterosis for crossbred animals used in the evaluation. In previous evaluations, crossbred daughters were included with no heterosis adjustment. Changes to be expected are summarized in the following tables:

Table 1: Average Jersey Proof Changes
Feb. 2007 Active-A.I. Sires
Milk Fat Protein PL DPR NM$
-184 -5 -7 -0.4 -0.3 -60


Table 2: Average Brown Swiss Proof Changes
Feb. 2007 Active-A.I. Sires
Milk Fat Protein PL DPR NM$
-278 -12 -9 -0.6 -0.2 -89


May 2007 genetic evaluations will look different than the February evaluations. The key information provided by genetic evaluations is the ranking of animals; this should remain the primary focus. Specific selection levels may need to be adjusted to account for the new evaluation levels. For more information, please visit www.selectsires.com.



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