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A selection index for dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

W. G. Hill  and
G. J. T. Swanson
W. G. Hill
Affiliation:
Institute of Animal Genetics, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JN
G. J. T. Swanson
Affiliation:
Milk Marketing Board, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0EL
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Abstract

The rationale for a method of computing selection indices for dairy cows is outlined. It uses predicted transmitting abilities of sires from a best linear unbiased prediction or similar method of evaluation together with mean transmitting abilities (cow indices) of dams to estimate herd genetic levels. Indices for individual cows are computed using deviations from those of contemporaries in the herd of her sire's transmitting ability, her dam's index and her own production in each lactation.

The method is being used in the UK, cow indices being expressed as transmitting abilities relative to the same fixed genetic base as for sire evaluation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 37 , Issue 3 , December 1983 , pp. 313 - 319
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1983

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References

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