Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #84130
Title: CHANGES IN USDA-DHIA GENETIC EVALUATIONS (MAY 1997)

Author
item Norman, H
item Powell, Rex
item Wiggans, George
item Vanraden, Paul

Submitted to: AIPL Research Reports
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/10/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) began quarterly (February, May, August, November) release of USDA-DHIA genetic evaluations for yield traits (milk, fat, and protein), somatic cell score, productive life, and associated economic indexes in May 1997. Type evaluations were updated in May 1997 by Holstein Association USA but were not computed for other breeds. More frequent evaluations should result in less change between consecutive evaluations, earlier release of genetic information for new bulls, and more timely indications of changes for marketed bulls. To facilitate the additional effort required for computation of quarterly evaluations and exchange of information, AIPL established web and file transfer protocol sites as the primary methods of distributing evaluations. Earlier access to genetic information could increase the rate of genetic improvement in the United States by allowing earlier recognition of bulls with high merit for desired traits and earlier reassessment of previously high bulls.

Technical Abstract: The Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) began quarterly (February, May, August, November) release of USDA-DHIA genetic evaluations for yield traits (milk, fat, and protein), somatic cell score, productive life, and associated economic indexes in May 1997. Type evaluations were updated in May 1997 by Holstein Association USA but were not computed for other breeds. Of 170 Holstein bulls with a test (October 1996) predicted transmitting ability (PTA) for protein of at least 60 lb, mean PTA protein for 46 bulls not evaluated in July 1996 was 67 lb; mean number of daughters was 20. In February 1997 when the first official evaluations became available for these bulls, mean PTA for protein declined to 63 lb, and mean number of daughters increased to 40. For the 124 bulls with evaluations in July 1996 and February 1997, mean absolute changes in PTA protein were reduced with more frequent evaluations: 4.2 lb from July 1996 to February 1997, 3.5 lb from July to October 1996, and 2.9 lb from October 1996 to February 1997. For active AI Holstein bulls, corresponding changes were 3.3, 2.4, and 2.6 lb. More frequent evaluations should result in less change between consecutive evaluations, earlier release of genetic information for new bulls, and more timely indications of changes for marketed bulls. To facilitate the additional effort required for computation of quarterly evaluations and exchange of information, AIPL established web and file transfer protocol sites as the primary methods of distributing evaluations. Earlier access to genetic information could increase the rate of genetic improvement in the United States by allowing earlier recognition of bulls with high merit for desired traits and earlier reassessment of previously high bulls.