ntm - vikinggenetics · 2017-10-03 · genomic selection has changed breeding. in the nordic...

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The NTMbreeding goal is

healthy, fertile, high producing cows

– the invisible cow.

NTMBreeding for what truly matters

Elis

abet

h

2Alex Arkink

Contents

Nordic Total Merit NTM – a powerful tool for dairy farmers 3How to read NTM and breeding values for traits in NTM? 3Overview of the traits in NTM 4Weights on health, production and conformation in NTM 5NTM gives progress for all traits of economic importance 5Cost cutting cow and unique health traits 7Great trust in genomic breeding values and genetic progress 7Economic value of NTM 8Reliable and up-to-date registration system 9Traits in NTM 10Production index 11Growth index 11Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in production and growth traits 12Udder Health 12Hoof health 13General health 14Effect of +10 units for health traits 15Youngstock survival 16Daughter fertility 17Calving direct 18Calving maternal 18Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility, calving direct 19index and calving maternal index 19Longevity 20Frame 20Feet & legs 21Udder 21Effect of -/+20 units for conformation traits 22Milkability 24Temperament 24NTM works in real life 25International comparisons – Interbull 25Summary of effects 26Breed statistics and number of cows in control 27

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The Nordic Total Merit (NTM) is a complete breeding goal including both production and functional traits. Its development is the story of our commitment to a more integrated and sustainable cattle breeding. From late 1970’s, the three Nordic cooperatives that eventually merged to form VikingGenetics started to implement methods to ensure the balanced breeding goal.

Nordic Total Merit NTM – a powerful tool for dairy farmers

How to read NTM and breeding values for traits in NTM?

• Increased profit by optimal inclusion of all economically important traits.

• Balanced breeding goal for improved health, fertility, production and functional conformation.

• Based on valuable and unique registrations by farmers, A.I. technicians, veterinarians, hoof trimmers, milk labs and slaughter houses collected into the same database.

The Nordic Total Merit (NTM) is the most complete breeding index around the world; it has more than 60 sub-traits combined into 14 main traits that aim for healthy, fertile, well producing and long-lasting cows with good conformation.

The Nordic countries were pioneers of using fertility and health traits in cattle breeding. Making the breeding decisions based on NTM gives progress in all important traits and improves profit.

NTM is easy to get for all sires – regardless of origin on the basis of the international comparison of dairy bulls from Interbull. You can also get genomic breeding values for females based on NTM scale by making a genomic test.

Mastitis resistance

General health

Other health, longevity & stillbirth included in calving index

Production index, calving index, daughter fertility, body, feet & legs, udder, milkability

Hoof health

Young stock survival

1982

Before1980

1987

2005

2011

2015

AVERAGE

GOOD

SUPER

SUPERIOR

NTM=0 NTM>+10 NTM>+20 NTM>+30 EBV=100 EBV>110 EBV >120 EBV>130

• Breeding values are estimated by the independent scientific breeding institute NAV (Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation)

• Rolling base, cows 3-5 years old (for each genetic evaluation use a new group of cows)

• Average 0 for NTM, average 100 for breeding values• Standard deviation 10 units

How are the indexes in NTM expressed?Estimated breeding values (EBVs) of all animals are adjusted in such a way that animals in the base population have an average index of 100. For all traits a rolling base consisting of cows from Denmark,

Sweden and Finland that are 3-5 years of age at the date of publication is applied. That means that a new group of cows that satisfy the condition is used for each genomic evaluation. The Standard Deviation is a statistic that tells you how widely spread from the average the scores of all bulls are for any particular trait. The bell curve shows what each standard deviation represents. One standard deviation (10 units) away from the mean in either direction (the light blue area) accounts for about 68 % of the bulls. This means that bulls with NTM over 20 and breeding values over 120 represent the top 2.5% of the breed.

-30 -20 -10 0 +10 +20 +3070 80 90 100 110 120 130

NTMIndex

0.1%2.1%

13.6%

34.1%

0.1%

34.1%

13.6%

2.1%

4

Production

Growth

Udder health

Hoof health

General health

Youngstock survival

Daughter fertility

Calving direct & calving maternal

Longevity

Conformation

Milkability

Temperament

Milk, fat and protein yieldmilk x (-0,20) + fat x (0,40) + protein x (0,80)- Holstein weights

Carcass weight and carcass classification of maleoffspring

Clinical mastitis, somatic cell count, udder conformation traits

Registrations from hoof trimmers, 10 different hoof diseases

Early and late reproductive disorders, metabolic disorders, feet & leg diseases

Survival of heifers and bull calves during early and late rearing periods

Days from calving to first insemination, days from first to last insemination, number of inseminations

Survival of calf, calving ease, size of calf

Days in herd - 1st calving to the end of 3rd lactation

22 conformation traits, combined into frame, feet& legs and udder

Farmer’s interview (scale 1-5) or data from AMS – l/min (if available)

Registered by farmers/classifiers

Overview of the traits in NTM

5

Weights on health, production and conformation in NTM

NTM gives progress for all traits of economic importance

Several trait groups are weighted together based on economic values that is the result of thorough economic calculations and national breed association’s expectations to future production conditions and price relations.

Table 1 Weights of traits in NTM. Source: NAV (November 2016)

VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey

Production 0.75 1.00 0.87

Growth 0.06 0.00 0.00

Daughter fertility 0.31 0.24 0.20

Calving direct 0.15 0.13 0.06

Calving maternal 0.17 0.11 0.06

Udder health 0.35 0.30 0.44

General health 0.11 0.11 0.04

Hoof health 0.08 0.05 0.05

Longevity 0.11 0.07 0.08

Youngstock survival

0.14 0.22 0.12

Frame 0.00 0.00 0.00

Feet & legs 0.12 0.08 0.04

Udder 0.25 0.35 0.26

Milkability 0.08 0.09 0.10

Temperament 0.03 0.03 0.03

Today more than 50% of the weight in NTM is on health traits; 30% on production and around 20% on conformation. An increasing weight on health traits in NTM over years is a big success due to greater awareness of cost in dairy production. Dairymen manage to have less cost per kg produced milk and healthy cows will not take more attention than necessary and give the highest profit.

NTM

30%

PRODUCTION

53%

HEALTH CONFORMATIONWORKABILITY

17%TRAITS INCLUDEDUdder health Daughter fertilityGeneral healthHoof health Calving (direct & maternal)Young stock survivalLongevity

TRAITS INCLUDEDProduction index *Milk kg *Protein kg *Fat kgGrowth

TRAITS INCLUDEDUdder conformation Feet & legs Milkability Temperament

With NTM you are breeding for improved profit. Results show that selecting for high NTM gives progress in all traits included in NTM. Figure below shows average increase in selected traits when increasing NTM with one unit. For instance, for Holstein longevity is increased with around 0.6 index units when NTM is increased with one unit.

Figure 1 Correlati-on between NTM and sub-indices Holstein. Source: NAV, November 2016

-0,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8

Frame

Temperament

Milkability

Growth

Udder

Feet & legs

Youngstock survival

Calving maternal

Calving direct

Hoof health

Udder health

Daughter fertility

General Health

Production

Longevity 0,64

0,46

0,45

0,44

0,41

0,35

0,32

0,30

0,24

0,21

0,17

0,10

0,03

0,02

-0,06

Correlations tell you how much progress is expected in each sub-index when making breeding selection according to NTM. For example, a correlation of 0,7 between NTM and a sub-index indicates that 70 % out of the maximum progress is expected to be achieved for that sub-index by breeding for NTM rather than breeding only for the sub-index. By breeding for NTM progress can be achieved for many traits simultaneously.

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Figure 2. Correlation between NTM and sub-indices Red Dairy Cattle. Source: NAV, November 2016

Figure 3. Correlation between NTM and sub-indices Jersey. Sour-ce: NAV, November 2016

Longevity has the highest correlation with NTM and health traits.

Table 1 Correlation between longevity and other traits in NTM.

Trait Correlation %

NTM 64

Daughter fertility 46

General health 39

Hoof health 38

Udder health 36

Youngstock survival 21

Feet & legs 15

Production 2

Udder 1

Frame -35

Figures from Holstein bulls born 2008 or later, NAV 2016

By using NTM you get most progress in: • Production• Udder health• Daughter fertility• Longevity

-0,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8

Frame

Growth

Temperament

Hoof health

Milkability

General health

Daughter fertility

Calving direct

Udder

Calving maternal

Youngstock survival

Udder health

Feet & legs

Longevity

Production

-0,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8

Temperament

Growth

General health

Milkability

Feet & legs

Hoof health

Calving direct

Frame

Udder

Daughter fertility

Youngstock survival

Calving maternal

Udder health

Longevity

Production 0,66

0,51

0,30

0,29

0,27

0,24

0,23

0,21

0,21

0,19

0,18

0,08

0,05

0,01

0,01

0,56

0,51

0,51

0,36

0,3

0,29

0,29

0,24

0,19

0,16

0,15

0,13

0,11

0,09

0,02

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Cost cutting cow and unique health traits

Great trust in genomic breeding values and genetic progress

It is important to realize that reducing costs, such as reduced veterinary assistance because of healthier cows, is equally important in improving profitability as increasing milk yield is. They both have an effect on the profit of the dairy farmer.

Trait Correlation to NTM %

Correlation to longevi-ty %

Correlation to daughter fertility %

Udder health 41 36 15

Hoof health 35 38 23

General Health

46 39 32

Youngstock survival

24 21 6

Despite the fact that health traits have a negative correlation to production, all our unique health traits have a strong positive correlation to NTM, longevity and daughter fertility. That means that healthy cows live longer and have higher lifetime production.

Until 1994 no other countries in the world used health traits in cattle breeding.

We are pioneers in breeding for health and have a comprehensive health profile based on reliable registration system.

CostCuttingCows

adding value every day

For every successful farmer it isimportant to cut costs,but in the right way.

By choosing VikingGenetics yougo for healthy cows and highproduction.

– An everyday solutionthat works!

!

!

!

!

!Fertility problems

Clinical mastitis

Other diseases

Hoof diseases

Metabolic disorders

€

www.vikinggenetics.com

We are committed to breeding cost cutting cows!

Genomic selection has changed breeding. In the Nordic countries, the use of young sires with breeding values based only on genomic information has increased rapidly during the recent years. This is because farmers and VikingGenetics believe in genomic breeding values and act accordingly.

Farmers use genomic information as a managementtool to select females within the herd. When farmers inseminate the high NTM females with sexed semen and the low NTM females - with beef semen, the average NTM in the herd will increase. This gives cows that are more profitable.

There is genetic progress for NTM for all breeds. This implies that the average genetic capacity of the animals is improved year by year, so that in average offspring has an improved genetic level compared to the parent generation.

Figure 1 Genetic progress in NTM

Genetic progress in NTM-units per year: • Holstein (5.4) • Red Dairy Cattle (4.3) • Jersey (3.3)

With the use of genomic breeding values, the genetic progress will go faster. This makes it even more important to move in the right direction, thus have a breeding goal that contributes to economically profitable and healthy, long-lasting cows!

Insemination with genomically tested young bulls

97%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Jersey Red Dairy Cattle Holstein

201520142013201220112010

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Economic value of NTM

Economic values of each trait in the Nordic Total Merit (NTM) are based on Nordic production circumstances as well as market prices, using advanced calculation models; it is the cow’s total revenue due to genetics expressed in Euro. The total revenue comes from the production of milk and beef, subtracted costs for labor, treatments, insemination, etc. For Holstein, 1 NTM unit has a value of 10 Euro per cow and year under Nordic conditions.

The economic value of NTM is not the same for Red Dairy Breed and Jersey as it is for Holstein due to differences in genetic variation and economic marginal revenue for all traits in NTM.

Even though the exact economic value of 1 NTM unit varies among the countries due to the difference in production conditions and prices, NTM will always be the reliable way to select the most profitable cows not only in the Nordic countries. Dairy and beef farmers all over the world can rely on NTM to achieve higher profits.

NTM +10=

+100 €per cowper yearNTM +0

• 1 unit of NTM is worth 10 euro per cow per year (NAV)

• 2 herds, A (average NTM 0) and B (average NTM +10), 100 cows each, same treatment

• Farmer B will earn 10,000 euro more per year than farmer A

• Without any extra effort, it is in the genes!

Herd A 100 cows average NTM 0

Herd B 100 cows average NTM +10

+10,000euro

extra per year

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Reliable and up-to-date registration system

Registrations in the Nordic countries are the cornerstone in herd management. At the same time, they are a unique base for estimation of breeding values.

• Each cow has a unique ID from birth to slaughter• All data in ONE database• Strict veterinary rules - ALL veterinary treatments are

registered• More than 90% of herds participate in herd and

health data recording – 900,000 cows

One unique cattle database In the Nordic countries, we have a unique and complete cattle database. We get registrations from many different players, such as farmers, veterinarians, milk lab, A.I. technicians, hoof trimmers, slaughter houses, classifiers, etc. All the data are sent to the same database.

Calving ease & stillbirths

ALL veterinary treatments Clinical mastits

Hoof trimming reports

Classification

Culling data

Slaughter data

Young stock survival

AI, fertility data

Milk production Milk analysis

Breeding values on bulls and cows

Herd manage-ment tool

Breeding values with high reliabilityThe Nordic countries have been pioneers when it comes to breeding for health traits. We have had a well-organized registration systems for 50 years. In the Nordic countries all treatments on a cow are registered and made by a veterinarian. These data are the foundation of the breeding values for health traits. It is crucial to use direct traits – actual disease cases, and not only rely on indirect traits (such as SCC (somatic cell score) or udder conformation) - for mastitis resistance. This makes selection for disease resistance more reliable and selection for better longevity more efficient.

10

Production

Growth

Udder health

Hoof health

General health

Youngstock survival

Daughter fertility

Calving direct & calving maternal

Longevity

Conformation

Milkability

Temperament

Page 11

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Page 16

Page 17

Page 18

Page 20

Pages 20 - 23

Traits in NTM

Page 24

Page 24

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Production index

Growth index

Production index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for milk, fat and protein production. The index includes breeding values for• Kg milk (in the first three lactations)• Kg fat (in the first three lactations)• Kg protein (in the first three lactations)

We also have breeding values for:• fat percentage • protein percentage• persistency (bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for a

persistent lactation curve from 100 to 300 days after calving, a higher breeding value indicates flatter lactation curve)

Data: High reliability of breeding values for Produc-tion with 95% of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in milk recording. Formula for calculating production index milk x (-0.20) + fat x (0.40) + protein x (0.80) (Viking-

Holstein, VikingRed)milk x (-0.30) + fat x (0.50) + protein x (0.80) (Viking-Jersey)

We breed for high fat and protein components, there-fore, there is a negative weight on kilograms of milk.

Growth index describes the genetic potential for carcass gain and carcass conformation score. The index includes breeding values for:• Daily carcass gain • Short fattening period• Long fattening period• Carcass conformation score (performed according

to Beef carcass classification system - EUROP classification)

We also have breeding values for carcass fat score.

Data: Data are registered by slaughter houses. Because of the unique ID we get carcass classification on each male offspring of our bulls. Depending on the price for meat it is an index that is important to take into consideration. Therefore, it has a weight in NTM.

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Figure 1 Genetic trend for Production index - Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

Figure 2 Genetic trend for Growth index - Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

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Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in production and growth traits

Udder health

Below you see the differences in breeding values 100, 110 and 120 for Kg milk, Kg protein, Kg fat, daily carcass gain.

Bull with EBV 100 Bull with EBV 110 Bull with EBV 120

Production population average

Production values (Bull effect / % Difference

from population)

Production values(Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

10,204 kg 10,532 kg (+328 kg / +3.2%) 10,860 kg (+656 kg / +6.4%)

Kg milk (305 days) 9,009 kg 9,359 kg (+350 kg / +3.9%) 9,708 kg (+699 kg / +7.8%)

6,995 kg 7,281 kg (+286 kg / +4.1%) 7,567 kg (+572 kg / +8.2%)

342 kg 352.0 kg (+10.0 kg / +2.9%) 362.0 kg (+20.0 kg / +5.8%)

Kg protein (305 days) 312 kg 322.6 kg (+10.6 kg / +3.4%) 333.2 kg (+21.2 kg / +6.8%)

288 kg 296.6 kg (+8.6 kg / +3.0%) 305.1 kg (+17.1 kg / +5.9%)

405 kg 417.5 kg (+12.5 kg / +3.1%) 430.0 kg (+25.0 kg / +6.2%)

Kg fat (305 days) 390 kg 403.5 kg (+13.5 kg /+3.5%) 417.0 kg (+27.0 kg / +6.9%)

410 kg 420.5 kg (+10.5 kg / +2.6%) 431.0 kg (+21.0 kg / +5.1%)

Daily carcass gain – short fattening period, g/day

572.0 583.7 g (+11.7 g / +2.0%) 595.4 g (+23.4 g / +4.1%)

562.0 577.3 g (+15.3 g / +2.7%) 592.6 g (+30.6 g / +5.4%)

406.0 417.0 g (+11.0 g / +2.7%) 428.0 g (+22.0 g / +5.4%)

Daily carcass gain – long fattening period. g/day

504.4 514.8 g (+10.4 g / +2.1%) 525.2 g (+20.8 g / +4.1%)

498.0 510.0 g (+12.0 g / +2.4%) 521.0 g (+24.0 g / +4.6%)

N/A N/A N/A

For example, a Holstein bull with +120 in Kg milk sub-index has genetic potential to increase Kg milk by 6.4% compared to the average for Holstein breed, which equals to 656 kg milk extra in Viking countries.

Udder health index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic ability to resist mastitis. Udder health index includes breeding values for udder health in the first three lactations based on records on clinical mastitis made by veterinarians. Only first case of clinical mastitis within each of four defined periods are used.

Udder health includes:• Mastitis in 1st lactation early (15 days before calving

– 50 days after calving)• Mastitis in 1st lactation late (51-300 days after cal-

ving)• Mastitis in 2nd lactation and mastitis in 3rd lactation

Cell count (first three lactations) and udder conformation (fore udder attachment and udder depth from the 1st lactation) are used as indicator traits for udder health.

Data: Udder health index is calculated based on re-cords on clinical mastitis made by veterinarians in the first three lactations.

Using data on Somatic cell count (SCC) alone is not a good enough predictor for improving mastitis resistan-ce. Correlation SCC and clinical mastitis ranges from 0.45 to 0.70. Thus, registrations of clinical mastitis are more efficient. Official registrations are done for all cows on all farms in Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

That results in a high reliability of breeding values for udder health.

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Figure 1: Genetic trend for Udder health showing a strong positive direc-tion. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016)

VikingHolsteinVikingRedVikingJersey

EBV 100 EBV 110 EBV 120

~21%less

mastitis

~42%less

mastitis

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Hoof health

Hoof health index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic ability to resist hoof diseases. The hoof health index includes breeding values for 10 hoof disorders grouped into 7 sub-traits.

• Sole ulcer• Sole hemorrhage• Heel horn erosion• Digital dermatitis + interdigital dermatitis• Verrucose dermatitis + interdigital hyperplasia• Double sole + White line separation• Cork screw hoof

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Correlation to hoof health % (Holstein)

NTM 35

Longevity 38

General Health 25

Feet & legs 24

Daughter fertility 23

Udder health 11

Hoof health index is a stronger tool to breed for mobile cows than feet and leg conformation. Corre-lation between hoof health and feet & legs confor-mation is 0.24.

The weight on the hoof health trait for Red and Jersey is lower than for Holstein, as these two breeds do not have as many problems with hoof health. Therefore, the genetic trend for RDC and Jersey is more stable.

EBV 100 EBV 110 EBV 120

~30%less

8-12%less

~60%less

16-24%less

• Sole ulcer• Verrucose dermatitis• Interdigital hyperplasia• Cork screw hoof

• Digital & interdigital dermatitis• Sole hemorrhage• Heel horn erosion• Double sole + white line

Figure 1 Genetic trend for Hoof health. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (De-cember 2016)

Data: Hoof health index is calculated based on hoof health records made by hoof trimmers in the first three lactations.

14

General health

General health index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential to resist reproductive, metabolic and feet and leg diseases.

This trait includes breeding values for:• Early reproductive disorders - Retained placenta - Hormonal & infective reproductive disorders - Other reproductive disorders• Late reproductive disorders - Hormonal & infective reproductive disorders - Other reproductive disorders• Metabolic diseases - Ketosis - Milk fever - Other metabolic and feed related disorders

• Feet and leg problems

Data: General health index is calculated based on health records made by veterinarian from first three lactations. Official registrations are done for all cows on all farms in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. That re-sults in a high reliability of breeding values for general health.

80

85

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Figure 1 Genetic trend for General Health. Data from NAV for three breeds (December 2016).

EBV 100 EBV 110 EBV 120

~15%

~20%

~30%

~40%

EARLY & LATE REPRO-DUCTIVE DISORDERS

METABOLIC DISEASES

15

Effect of +10 units for health traits

Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for udder health index (EBV 100 is equal to population average)

Udder health Bull with EBV 100 Bull with EBV 110 Bull with EBV 120

Mastitis frequency %population average

Mastitis frequency %(Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

Mastitis frequency %(Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

VikingHolstein 12.8% 10.12% (-2.68% / -20.9%) 7.44% (-5.36% / -41.9%)

VikingRed 8.2% 6.39% (-1.81% / -22.1%) 4.58% (-3.62% / -44.1%)

VikingJersey 15.2% 12.65% (-2.55% / -16.8%) 10.10% (-5.10% / -33.6%)

Table 2 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in hoof health index.

Hoof disorders Bull with EBV 110% Difference from population

average HOL/RDC/JER

Bull with EBV 120% Difference from populati-on average HOL/RDC/JER

Sole ulcer -28.7% / -25.6% / -11.1% -57.4% / -51.1% / -22.2%

Sole hemorrhage -8.3% / -16.0% / -5.3% -16.6% / -32.0% / -10.5%

Heel horn erosion -11.1% / -16.5% / -6.6% -22.2% / -33.1% / -13.2%

Digital dermatitis + interdigital dermatitis -12.0% / -15.4% / -15.4% -24.1% / -30.8% / -30.8%

Verrucose dermatitis + interdigital hyperplasia -29.2% / -37.5% / -21.4% -58.3% / -75.0% / -42.9%

Double sole + white line -10.5% / -15.7% / -2.2% -21.1% / -31.3% / -4.4%

Cork screw hoof -28.6% / -23.5% / -10.5% -57.1% / -47.1% / -21.1%

Table 3 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in general health index

Bull with EBV 100Disease frequency % population average

Bull with EBV 110Disease frequency %

(Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

Bull with EBV 120Disease frequency %

(Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

Early reproductive disorders7.3% 6.3% (-1.05% / -14.4%) 5.2% (-2.10% / -28.8%)

2.6% 2.1% (-0.53% / -20.6%) 1.5% (-1.08% / -41.1%)

Late reproductive disorders5.0% 4.3% (-0.7% / -14.0%) 3.6% (-1.40% / -28.0%)

7.3% 6.2% (-1.06% / -14.5%) 5.2% (-2.12% / -29.0%)

Metabolic diseases4.9% 3.9% (-0.96% / -19.6%) 3.0% (-1.93% / -39.3%)

3.1% 2.1% (-1.03% / -33.1%) 1.0% (-2.06% / -66.3%)

Feet and leg problems16.3% 15.6% (-0.68% / -4.2%) 14.9% (-1.35%/ -8.3%)

4.4% 4.1% (-0.34% / -7.7%) 1.5% (-0.68% / -15.5%)

VikingHolsteinVikingRed

16

Youngstock survival

Youngstock survival index (YSS) is the newest trait in NTM, added since 2016. YSS describes survival of heifer calves from day 1 after birth to 15 months of age and bull calves from birth to 6 months of age when the bull is the sire of the calf.

Youngstock survival index includes the breeding values for:• Early rearing period (heifers), 1-30 days• Late rearing period (heifers), 31-458 days• Early rearing period (bulls), 1-30 days• Late rearing period (bulls), 31-184 days

Survival traits in NTM (calving direct, longevity and newly added YSS) have high economic importance and cover the whole life-time of animals. In order to improve survival of animals during rearing period selection for more liveborn calves (relying on calving traits) and long-lasting cows (breeding for longevity) is not enough. It is more efficient to breed directly for higher survival rates among calves and young stock. By adding YSS, NTM now covers survival during the whole life-time of animals.

Data: Breeding values for youngstock survival is based on farmer registrations of all transfers/deaths of ani-mals

The table below shows average survival rate (%) across three countries for the period 2008-2012 and value in euro for improving youngstock survival by 1% unit per cow per year. Multiplying the values in euro with 100 gives a rough estimate of the value of one lost animal in each of the periods. For example, value of one calf for Holstein heifer for late rearing period is equal to around 405 euro.

Table 1 Economic value of lost animal in rearing period

Holstein RDC Jersey

Heifer, early periodday 2 up to 1 month

survival rate 97.5 97.4 92.6

value in euro 3.45 3.55 2.00

Heifer, late period1 up to 15 months

survival rate 96.3 95.4 93.4

value in euro 4.05 4.15 2.41

Bull, early periodday 2 up to 1 month

survival rate 96.0 96.1 -

value in euro 1.29 1.43 0.27

Bull, late period1 up to 6 months

survival rate 96.0 94.4 -

value in euro 1.79 2.02 0.79

There are large differences in survival between pro-geny groups of best and poorest AI bulls. This means that it is possible to breed for better survival. In the table below is an example of two bulls. The calves of the bull with 124 YSS have survived much better than the calves of the bull with 76 YSS.

Table 2 Difference in youngstock survival between bulls with EBV 76 and 124. Source: NAV 2015

Bull with 124 YSS Bull with 76 YSS % difference in survival

Number of calves

% survived

Number of calves

% survived

Heifers, early period 3400 97.9% 4300 97.0% 0.9%

Heifers, late period 2200 98.5% 4200 94.6% 3.9%

Bulls, early period 2100 97.2% 4400 95.1% 2.1%

Bulls, late period 2000 97.1% 4100 91.6% 5.5%

The table shows number of lost animals for the herds of various sizes and the estimated economic costs of losing. Value per lost animal is 405 euro for Holstein.

Table 3 Economic costs of lost animals in late rearing period (heifers)

Heifers, late periodNo lost animalscosts € (euro)

Bull with EBV 80

Bull with

EBV 90

Bull with EBV 100

Bull with EBV 110

Bull with EBV 120

Survival rate 94.68% 95.49% 96.3% 97.11% 97.93%

Bull effect -1.63% -0.81% 0.00% +0.81% +1.63%

% lost animals 5.3% 4.5% 3.7% 2.9% 2.1%

% Difference EBV100 44 % 22 % 0 % -22 % -44 %

Herd with 50 heifers2.65 2.25 1.85 1.45 1.05

1,075 € 910 € 750 € 590 € 425 €


2,150 € 1,800 € 1,500 € 1,175 € 850 €

Herd with 200 heifers10.6 9 7.4 5.8 4.2

4,300 € 3,650 € 3,000 € 2,350 € 1,700 €


6,450 € 5,470 € 4,500 € 3,550 € 2,550 €

For example, a dairy farm with 200 heifers (aged 1 month – 15 months) would save 2,600 EURO per year by using the bull with EBV 120 (cost of lost animals – 1,700 EURO) compared with the bull with EBV 80 (cost of lost animals – 4,300 EURO).

A bull with 120 EBV would improve youngstock survival and help farmers reduce costs by 60%, relative to a bull with EBV 80.

17

EBV 80 EBV 110 EBV 120

SAVE60%

SAVE30%

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Figure 1 Genetic trend for Youngstock survival. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

85

90

95

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110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Daughter fertility

Daughter fertility index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential to start or resume heat cycle after calving, to show oestrus and to conceive at inseminati-on. The higher the breeding values, the better fertility. Traits included in the combined index for daughter fertility index are:• Days from calving to first insemination (cows)• Days from first to last insemination (cows, heifers)• Number of inseminations per pregnancy (cows,

heifers)

We also have breeding values for: • Conception rate (heifers, cows) – bull’s daughters’

genetic potential for pregnancy success after each insemination as heifers/cows

• Heat strength (heifers, cows) – bull’s daughters gene-tic potential for showing heat as heifers/cows (based on farmers assessment on scale 1-5, data only from Sweden)

Data: Daughter fertility index is calculated based on data from insemination records on heifers and cows from first three lactations. Data is collected by A.I. technicians and farmers.

The strongest correlation between daughter fertility index and the sub-traits are for ‘Days from first to last insemination’ (0.96 -0.97) and ‘Number of inseminati-on per pregnancy’ (0.85-0.91).

High reliability of breeding values for daughter ferti-lity with 90% of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording.

Effect of +10 index units for daughter fertility sub-traitsThe table shows average for different breeds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland (which corresponds to the level for a bull with breeding values for daughter fertility sub-traits 100) and the effect of +10 units and +20 units in the sire on performance on the different sub-traits in daughter fertility index. Negative values mean decrease in days and number of inseminations per pregnancy and, therefore, are desirable.

Figure 2 Genetic trend for daughter fertility showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

18

Calving direct

Calving direct index describes the bull’s offspring’s ge-netic potential to be born easily and alive. Pure direct effect – the bull is father of the calf and the measure describes his direct effect on the calf’s ability to be born easily. The higher the breeding value, the more likely bull’s offspring is born easily and alive.

Calving direct index includes • Survival (direct) for the first five lactations (bull’s

offspring genetic potential to be born alive and to survive over the first 24 hours after birth)

• Calving ease (direct) for the first five lactations (bull’s offspring’s genetic potential to be born without calving problems)

We also have breeding values for: • Size (direct) (bull’s offspring’s genetic potential for

size at birth. Assessment on scale 1-4, data only from Denmark.

• 1st lactation • 2nd and later lactations

Data: Registrations for calving direct are collected by farmers. High reliability of breeding values for calving direct with 90% of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording.

Figure 1 Genetic trend for Calving Direct index. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

Calving maternal

Calving maternal index describes the bull’s daught-ers’ genetic potential for easy calvings and live-born calves. The higher the breeding value, the more likely bull’s daughters calve a living calf without problems. Pure maternal effect – the bull is maternal grandfat-her of the calf. Breeding value describes his effect on the calf mother’s ability to calve easily.

Calving maternal index includes • Survival (maternal) for the first five lactations - (bull’s

daughters’ genetic potential to get a liveborn calf that survives over the first 24 hours after birth)

• Calving ease (maternal) for the first five lactations (bull’s daughters’ genetic potential to calve easily)

We also have breeding values for: • Size maternal (bull’s daughters’ genetic potential

for their calves size at birth, assessment on scale 1-4, data only from Denmark)

• 1st lactation • 2nd and later lactations• Calving (mgs) (bull’s genetic potential to get offs-

pring that are both born easily and calve easily. A combination of direct and maternal effect – the bull is maternal grandfather of the calf and the measure describes his effect both on the calf’s ability to be born easily and on the calf’s mother’s ability to calve easily. Includes breeding values for survival (mgs) and calving ease (mgs) based on calving records from first five lactations)

Data: Registrations for calving direct are collected by farmers. High reliability of breeding values for cal-ving maternal with 90% of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording.

Figure 2 Genetic trend for calving maternal showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for three breeds (December 2016).

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

90

95

100

105

110 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

19

Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility, calving direct index and calving maternal index

Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility. Source: NAV and breed statistics

Bull with EBV 100

Bull with EBV 110

Bull with EBV 120

Values for population

average

Fertility values (Bull effect / % Difference from

population average)

Fertility values(Bull effect / % Difference from

population average)

Days from calving to first insemination, days

78 75.8 (-2.2 / -2.8%) 73.6 (-4.4 / -5.6%)

76 74.3 (-1.7 / -2.2%) 72.6 (-3.4 / -4.5%)

73 71.4 (-1.6 / -2.2%) 69.8 (-3.2 / -4.4%)

Days from first to last insemination, days

40 34.1 (-5.9 / -14.8%) 28.2 (-11.8 / -29.5%)

34 29.1 (-4.9 / -14.4%) 24.2 (-9.8 / -28.8%)

36 32.0 (-4.0 / -11.1%) 28.0 (-8.0 / -22.2%)

Number of inseminations per pregnancy

1.83 1.80 (-0.03 / -1.6%) 1.77 (-0.06 / -3.3%)

1.79 1.71 (-0.08 / -4.5%) 1.63 (-0.16 / -8.9%)

1.81 1.75 (-0.06 / -3.3%) 1.69 (-0.12 / -6.6%)

Table 2 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in calving direct index and calving maternal index. Source: NAV and breed statistics

Bull with EBV 100

Bull with EBV 110 Bull with EBV 120

Values for population average

Calving values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

Calving values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average)

8.49 direct 7.49 (-1.00 / -11.8%)maternal 6.49 (-2.00 / -23.6%)

direct 6.49 (-2.00 / -23.6%)maternal 4.49 (-4.00 / -47.1%)

Survival calve – % of dead calves 5.11 direct 4.21 (-0.90 / -17.6%)maternal 4.31 (-1.00 / -19.6%)

direct 3.51 (-1.80 / -35.2%)maternal 3.31 (-2.00 / -39.1%)

11.47 direct 10.27 (-1.2 / -10.5%)maternal 9.07 (-2.4 / -20.9%)

direct 9.07 (-2.4 / -20.9%)maternal 6.67 (-4.8 / -41.8%)

3.70 direct 3.67 (-0.03 / -0.8%)maternal 3.58 (-0.12 / -3.2%)

direct 3.64 (-0.06 / -1.6%)maternal 3.46 (-0.24 / -6.5%)

Calving ease % of difficult calvings 3.29 direct 3.27 (-0.02 / -0.6%)maternal 3.26 (-0.03 / -0.9%)

direct 3.25 (-0.04 / -1.2%)maternal 3.23 (-0.06 / -1.8%)

2.99 direct 2.98 (-0.01 / -0.3%)maternal 2.96 (-0.03 / -1.0%)

direct 2.97 (-0.02 / -0.7%)maternal 2.93 (-0.06 / -2.0%)



20

Longevity

Frame

Longevity index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for a long productive life. The index includes breeding value for time from first calving to the end of third lactation.

We also have breeding values for time from calving to the end of lactation for the first five lactations – inclu-ding maximum 365 days per lactation.

Data: High reliability of breeding values for produc-tion with 95% of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in milk recording.

Table 1 Genetic trend for longevity showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

Extra days in produc-tion life from first calving to the end of 3rd lactation

Bull with EBV 110 Bull with EBV 120

Holstein +36 days +72 days

Red Dairy Cattle +34 days +68 days

Jersey +35 days +70 days

75

80

85

90

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115

120 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

90

95

100

105

110

115 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Average number of lactations per cow is around 2.5 in the Nordic countries. That is because it is a common practice to inseminate almost all heifers to ensure enough replacement cows, even though the animals have a genetic potential for longer life.

Frame index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for frame conformation. Higher breeding values indicates larger cows for all breeds.

Frame index includes breeding values for:• Stature• Body depth• Chest width• Dairy form• Top line• Rump width• Rump angle

Data: Breeding values are based on classification re-cords in the first three lactations made by official clas-sifiers. We have breeding values for frame. However, as frame has weight equal to 0, frame is not included in NTM for the three breeds.

Figure 2 Genetic trend for frame. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

Figure 1 Genetic trend for longevity showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

21

Feet & legs

Udder

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95

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115 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Feet & legs index describes the genetic potential for feet and leg conformation. Higher breeding values in-dicate better feet and leg conformation for all breeds.

Feet & Legs index includes breeding values for:• Rear legs, side view• Rear legs, back rear view• Hock quality• Bone quality• Foot angle

Data: Breeding values are based on classification records in the first three lactations made by official classifiers

Figure 1 Genetic trend for feet & legs conformation showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

Udder index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for udder conformation. Higher breeding va-lues indicate better udder conformation for all breeds.

Udder index includes breeding values for:• Fore udder attachment• Rear udder height• Rear udder width• Udder cleft/support• Udder depth• Teat length• Teat thickness• Teat placement (front)• Teat placement (back)• Udder balance

Data: Breeding values are based on classification records in the first three lactations made by official classifiers.

Figure 2 Genetic trend for udder conformation showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

22

Effect of -/+20 units for conformation traits

Economic optimum

Bull with EBV 80 Conformation values / Bull effect

Bull with EBV 100Values for population aver.

Bull with EBV 120 Conformation values / Bull effect

FRA

ME

Stature, cm148142129

146.5 / -2.14 138.2 / -2.73 128.0 / -1.45

148.6140.9129.4

150.7 / +2.14 143.7 / +2.73 130.9 / +1.45

Body depth,score on scale 1-9

6.06.06.0

5.8 / -0.33 5.0 / -0.33 6.0 / -0.27

6.15.36.3

6.4 / +0.33 5.6 / +0.33 6.6 / +0.27

Chest width,score on scale 1-9

5.05.55.0

4.9 / -0.29 4.7 / -0.20 4.9 / -0.24

5.24.95.1

5.5 / +0.29 5.1 / +0.20 5.3 / +0.24

Dairy form,score on scale 1-9

6.05.57.0

5.1 / -0.33 4.3 / -0.33 5.1 / -0.29

5.44.65.4

5.7 / +0.33 4.9 / +0.33 5.7 / +0.29

Top line,score on scale 1-9

7.07.07.0

6.3 / -0.31 6.0 / -0.32 5.7 / -0.27

6.66.36.0

6.9 / +0.31 6.6 / +0.32 6.3 / +0.27

Rump width, score on scale 1-9

5.55.06.0

5.1 / -0.34 4.4 / -0.40 4.5 / -0.38

5.44.84.9

5.7 / +0.34 5.2 / +0.40 5.3 / +0.38

Rump angle,score on scale 1-9

5.05.05.0

4.3 / -0.47 4.7 / -0.51 4.5 / -0.52

4.85.25.0

5.3 / +0.47 5.7 / +0.51 5.5 / +0.52

FEET

& L

EGS

Rear legs, side viewscore on scale 1-9

5.05.05.0

4.9 / -0.29 4.9 / -0.43 5.2 / -0.25

5.25.35.4

5.5 / +0.29 5.7 / +0.43 5.7 / +0.25

Rear legs, back viewscore on scale 1-9

8.08.09.0

5.5 / -0.27 5.5 / -0.31 5.8 / -0.22

5.85.86.0

6.1 / +0.27 6.1 / +0.31 6.2 / +0.22

Hock qualityscore on scale 1-9

9.09.09.0

5.5 / -0.35 5.4 / -0.48 5.8 / -0.22

5.85.96.0

6.1 / +0.35 6.4 / +0.48 6.2 / +0.22

Bone qualityscore on scale 1-9

8.07.59.0

6.2 / -0.30 5.9 / -0.42 6.5 / -0.20

6.56.36.7

6.8 / +0.30 6.7 / +0.42 6.9 / +0.20

Foot anglescore on scale 1-9

6.56.57.0

4.8 / -0.20 4.7 / -0.20 4.2 / -0.20

5.04.94.4

5.2 / +0.20 5.1 / +0.20 4.6 / +0.20

UD

DER

Fore udder attachmentscore on scale 1-9

9.09.09.0

5.0 / -0.38 5.1 / -0.40 4.8 / -0.44

5.45.55.2

5.8 / +0.38 5.9 / +0.40 5.6 / +0.44

Rear udder heightscore on scale 1-9

9.09.09.0

6.0 / -0.29 5.3 / -0.335.6 / -0.44

6.35.66.0

6.6 / +0.29 5.9 / +0.336.4 / +0.44

Rear udder widthscore on scale 1-9

9.09.09.0

5.4 / -0.38 4.5 / -0.40 5.3 / -0.40

5.84.95.7

6.2 / +0.85 5.3 / +0.40 6.1 / +0.40

Udder supportscore on scale 1-9

8.09.09.0

5.6 / -0.37 5.0 / -0.34 4.7 / -0.40

6.05.45.1

6.4 / +0.37 5.7 / +0.34 5.5 / +0.40

Udder depthscore on scale 1-9

9.09.09.0

4.8 / -0.53 5.0 / -0.58 3.8 / -0.51

5.35.64.3

5.8 / +0.53 6.2 / +0.58 4.8 / +0.51

Teat lengthscore on scale 1-9

5.55.55.5

4.6 / -0.68 3.8 / -0.70 4.7 / -0.59

5.34.55.3

6.0 / +0.68 5.2 / +0.70 5.9 / +0.59

Teat thicknessscore on scale 1-9

5.06.06.0

4.9 / -0.42 4.1 / -0.60 4.5 / -0.59

5.34.75.1

5.7 / +0.42 5.3 / +0.60 5.7 / +0.59

Teat placement frontscore on scale 1-9

8.08.07.5

5.1 / -0.60 4.5 / -0.49 4.5 / -0.52

5.75.05.0

6.3 / +0.605.5 / +0.49 5.5 / +0.52

Teat placement backscore on scale 1-9

5.05.05.0

6.0 / -0.555.8 / -0.45 5.2 / -0.50

6.56.25.7

7.0 / +0.55 6.7 / +0.45 6.2 / +0.50

Udder balancescore on scale 1-9

5.05.05.0

5.0 / -0.27 4.5 / -0.29 4.5 / -0.33

5.34.84.8

5.6 / +0.27 5.1 / +0.29 5.1 / +0.33


23

80

80

80

80

80

100

100

100

100

100

120

120

120

120

120

80

80

80

80

80

100

100

100

100

100

120

120

120

120

120

Econo-mic opti-

mum

Bull 80 Bull 100 Bull 120

Stature, cm148142129

146.5 138.2128.0

148.6140.9129.4

150.7 143.7130.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

80

80

80

80

80

100

100

100

100

100

120

120

120

120

120

Chest width

5.05.55.0

Foot angle 6.56.57.0

Fore udder at-tachment

9.09.09.0

Udder depth

9.09.09.0

Rear teat placement

5.05.05.0

Chest width

Foot angle

Fore udder attachment

Udder depth

Rear teat placement

24

Milkability

Milkability index describes the bull’s daughters’ ge-netic potential for milking speed (expressed as flow of fat + protein). The higher the breeding value, the faster the milking speed.

We also have breeding value for leakage (how easily bull’s daughters leak between milkings. The higher the breeding value, the less the leakage. Data inclu-des herd owners’ assessment on cows leakage (leaks / doesn’t leak).

Data: Registrations for milkability are collected by farmers and are based on herd owners assessment on cows’ milkability compared to other cows in the same herd on scale 1-5. Besides that, information from ele-ctronic milk recording from AMS and milking parlours is included, measured as gram of fat + protein per minute (if available this is used instead of the herd owners’ assessment).

Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for milkability index

Bull with EBV 100

Bull with EBV 110

Bull with EBV 120

Holstein, gram of fat + protein per minute

- +10 g/min +20 g/min

Holstein, standard milk, kg per minute

2.4 kg/min +0.13 kg/min / +5.4%

+0.26 kg/min / +10.8%

Holstein, standard milk, liters per minute

- +2.37 l/min +4.74 l/min

Milking time, cow with daily yield 30 kgs of standard milk

900 sec / 15 min

45 sec shorter / 5%

90 sec shorter / 10%

Red dairy cattle - +10 g/min +20 g/min

Jersey - +10 g/min +20 g/min

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Temperament

Temperament index describes the bull’s daughters’ genetic potential for temperament. The higher the breeding value, the better the temperament. Data: Data is based on herd owners’ assessment on cows’ temperament compared to other cows in the same herd on scale 1-5 (Finland) or 1-9 (Denmark and Sweden).

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120 Jersey

Red Dairy Cattle

Holstein

201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

Figure 1 Genetic trend for milkability. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (Decem-ber 2016).

Figure 2 Genetic trend for temperament showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016).

25

NTM works in real life

Proven by real-world data – study results from 50 Hol-stein herds with more than 7,000 cows in Denmark

Invisible power of NTM – 7,350 cows are divided into three groups based on their pedigree NTM:

Lowest 1/3 Middle 1/3 Highest 1/3

NTM 15.0

NTM3.2

Cows might look the same but NTM reveals the diffe-rence between them. Cows with the highest pedigree NTM perform BEST.

1st lactation

+282.5 kg milk

+31.3 kg fat & protein

5.9days less

-3.1%

+4.5%

2nd lactation

+574.5 kg milk

+47.8 kg fat & protein

4.7days less

-2.5%

+11.5%

International comparisons – Interbull

Traits VikingGenetics USA Canada Netherlands Germany UK

Production 115 117 113 113 113 109

Daughter fertility 111 109 99 100 101 98

Udder health 111 105 95 103 100 100

Longevity 115 110 103 103 100 96

Calving direct (birth) 106 102 100 102 97 N/A

Calving maternal 109 108 102 100 101 N/A

Frame 104 112 115 111 110 110

Feet & legs 109 102 101 104 103 101

Udder 117 109 110 109 106 102

Milkability 104 100 98 99 94 100

Temperament 104 110 106 104 104 101

NTM (average for TOP 100 bulls) 30 23 13 15 13 7

Table 2, 3 RDC - Average value - TOP 100 RDC bulls (Interbull - December 2016)

Udder health**

Direct calving ease

Maternal calving ease

Nordic Total Merit

Canada 94.9 94.6 97.3 -22.0

Germany 91.2 n.a. n.a. -7.3

Norway 95.3 101.1 90.8 -9.5

VikingRed 99.8 101.1 101.3 4.1

No of bulls

Milk index

Fat index

Protein index

Production index

Canada 33 88.6 87.6 82.6 83.4

Germany 14 96.1 96.7 94.4 95.1

Norway 291 95.1 94.0 95.2 94.8

VikingRed 429 102.0 102.6 102.9 103.0

* Number of bulls used for calculating mean values vary for different traits.

** Udder health. minimum 40 % reliability. Somatic cell count for countries without udder health

Table 1 Average value - TOP 100 Holstein bulls (Interbull - December 2016)

Production

Days from 1st to last ins.

Mastitis treatments

Survival rate

26


Bull with EBV 100 Bull with EBV 110 Bull with EBV 120

Population average (absolute values)

% Difference from population average % Difference from population average

PRODUCTION & WORKABILITY**

Kg milk 305 days 10,204 9,009 6,995 +328 kg +350 kg +286 kg +656 kg +699 kg +572 kg

Kg protein 305 days 342 312 288 +10.0 kg +10.6 kg +8.6 kg +20.0 kg +21.2 kg +17.1 kg

Kg fat 305 days 405 390 410 +12.5 kg +13.5 kg +10.5 kg +25.0 kg +27.0 kg +21 0 kg

Daily carcass gainshort fattening period, g/day

572 562 406 +11.7 g +15.3 g +11.0 g +23.4 g +30.6 g +22.0 g

Daily carcass gainlong fattening period. g/day

504 498 N/A +10.4 g +12.0 g N/A +20.8 g +24.0 g N/A

Milkability**g fat + protein per minute

182 N/A N/A +10 g/min +10 g/min +10 g/min +20 g/min +20 g/min +20 g/min

FERTILITY, CALVING & SURVIVALDays open** 118 110 109 8.1 days less 6.6 days less 5.6 days less 16.2 days less 13.2 days less 11.2 days less

Nr. inseminations per pregnancy

1.83 1.79 1.81 -1.6% -4.5% -3.3% -3.3% -8.9% -6.6%

Survival calve% of dead calves

8.5 5.1 11.5direct -11.8%mat. -23.6%

direct -17.6%mat. -19.6%

direct -10.5%mat. -20.9%

direct -23.6%mat. -47.1%

direct -35.2%mat. -39.1%

direct -20.9%mat. -41.8%

Calving ease % of difficult calvings

3.7 3.3 3.0direct -0.8%mat. -3.2%

direct -0.6%mat. -0.9%





Youngstock survival, % lost animals, heifers 1-15 months

3.7 N/A N/A -22 % N/A N/A -44 % N/A N/A

HEALTH & LONGEVITYMastitis frequency % 12.8 8.2 15.2 -20.9% -22.1% -16.8% -41.9% -44.1% -33.6%

Early reprod. disease frequency %

7.3 2.6 N/A -14.5% -20.5% N/A -28.8% -41.1% N/A

Late reprod. disease frequency %

5.0 7.3 N/A -14.0% -14.5% N/A -28.0% -29.0% N/A

Metabolic disease frequency %

4.9 3.1 N/A -19.6% -33.2% N/A -39.3% -66.3% N/A

Feet & legs problems frequency %

16.3 4.4 N/A -4.2% -7.7% N/A -8.3% -15.5% N/A

Sole ulcer, points scale 0-2*

0.08 0.05 0.09 -28.7% -25.6% -11.1% -57.4% -51.1% -22.2%

Sole hemorrhage points scale 0-2*

0.29 0.20 0.14 -8.3% -16.0% -5.3% -16.6% -32.0% -10.5%

Heel horn erosion points scale 0-2*

0.22 0.19 0.13 -11.1% -16.5% -6.6% -22.2% -33.1% -13.2%

Digital dermatitis + Inter. dermatitis points scale 0-2*

0.24 0.12 0.14 -12.0% -15.4% -15.4% -24.1% -30.8% -30.8%

Verrucose derm. + Inter. hyperplasia, frequency %

6.0 3.0 1.0 -29.2% -37.5% -21.4% -58.3% -75.0% -42.9%

Double sole + white line frequency %

9.0 5.0 6.0 -10.5% -15.7% -2.2% -21.1% -31.3% -4.4%

Cork screw claw frequency %

1.0 4.0 1.0 -28.6% -23.5% -10.5% -57.1% -47.1% -21.1%

Longevity** N/A N/A N/A +36 days +34 days +35 days +72 days +68 days +70 days

* Some hoof disorders have disease score expressed in points on the scale from 0 to 2: 0 – no disease, 1 – mild disease, 2 – severe disease)

** Production & workability, days open, longevity are shown as absolute values

Summary of effects

27

Breed statistics and number of cows in control

Table 1 Production averages for VikingHolstein, VikingRed, VikingJersey

(305-days lactation)

Breed Milk kg

Fat kg

Fat%

Protein kg

Protein %

Kg ECM

VikingHolstein 10,204 405 3.97 342 3.35 10,125

VikingRed 9,009 390 4.33 312 3.46 9,413

VikingJersey 6,995 410 5.86 288 4.12 8,968

Table 2 Number of cows in control

Breed Denmark Sweden Finland Total

VikingHolstein 363,677 138,192 87,515 589,384

VikingRed 31,400 97,357 110,972 239,729

VikingJersey 67,354 1,848 559 69,761

VikingNativepolled 891 2,276 3,167

Total 462,431 238,288 201,322 902,041

66 26 8

3,97 % fat

4,33 % fat

5,86 % fat

3,35 % prot.

3,46 % prot.

4,12 % prot.

9,009 kg

10,204 kg 6,995

kg

28

CostCuttingCows

adding value every day

For every successful farmer it isimportant to cut costs,but in the right way.

By choosing VikingGenetics yougo for healthy cows and highproduction.

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Clinical mastitis

Other diseases

Hoof diseases

Metabolic disorders

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www.vikinggenetics.com

ntm - vikinggenetics · 2017-10-03 · genomic selection has changed breeding. in the nordic...

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