Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate genetic gain in dairy cattle breeding programs using international genetic evaluations.Selection of bulls and cows across countries on average EBV, combining EBV of different countries into one average EBV (= joint breeding goal), was compared with selection of bulls and cows across countries on national EBV.Two domestic dairy cattle breeding programs in two different countries were simulated using a deterministic model approximating BLUPselection.Selection on average EBV yielded a higher genetic gain than selection on national EBV, when the genetic correlation was higher than 0.70.Benefits of selection across countries were at maximum an increase in genetic gain of 15%, when the genetic correlation was 1.00.Selection on national EBV was reduced to within-country selection, when the genetic correlation was 0.90 or lower.Trait and breeding goal definition should be harmonized as much as possible to increase genetic gain by selection of bulls and cows across countries.Development of (sub)global rankings (= joint breeding goal, e.g.average EBV) would increase benefits of selection of bulls and cows across countries.
Authors: H.A. Mulder, R.F. Veerkamp, Piter Bijma
Institution: Wageningen University & Research
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2095915899