Faba and Nordic co-operationVikingGenetics

Nordic Classification

Sari Morri

Faba, team leader / VikingGenetics, sire-analyst

25% 50% 25%

1.1.2010 Start of VikingGenetics

Denmark Sweden Finland

Holstein 375 000 149 000 92 800

Jersey 60 000 2 000 -

SRB/RDM/FAY 40 000 130 500 194 300

Red Holstein 5 500 - -

Local breeds - 1 200 2 900SRB/RDM

JerseyRed Holstein Holstein

Why VikingGenetics-domestic challenges

• Expectations of new breeding services on the dairy farms

• Demands of profitability on the dairy farms• Growth of international competition in domestic

markets• Economical situation is still getting strained• Growth of R&D costs in future• Request of even more competitive cattle

genetics

Possibilities in Nordic co-operation

• Part of significant breeding program• Wider and better selection of bulls

– Especially Holstein• Larger inputs to the R&D• Share of expenses• Risk of difficult animal diseases under control• Nordic Breeding Profile get more visibility on

international markets• Better possibilities in export of cattle genetics• VikingGenetics became to be one of the worlds

biggest genetic companies

Faba

• Breeding advising

• Herdbooking

• Classification

• Animal trade

• Embryo services

• Insemination

• Fertility services

• Farmer store (eartags etc.)

VikingGenetics

• Selecting bull calves

• performance testing

• semen production

• semen exports

Nordic classification system• Partners

– Finland, Faba– Sweden, Swedish Mjölk– Denmark, Danish Cattle

• Backround– classification work has been much alike– classification of linear traits are harmonized

• Common breeding values (NAV – Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation)

• Purpose– To develope and maintain user friendly system for classifying

cows (holstein and red breeds)• Timetable

– Project started late 2009, Start of system late 2010.

Base populationNo of classified 1st lactation cows

Holstein RDC

Finland 9.000 16.000

Denmark 75.000 11.000

Sweden 16.000 16.000

Total 100.000 43.000

Classification

Procedure

Correction

Composite traits

Future classification system in Finland, Sweden and Denmark

National databases

Use best available technology!

Thank you from your attention!

D Banker dotter från I/S Rønhave