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Posted by GoatWorld on November 19, 2001 at 05:15:56:
GENETIC EVALUATION OF DAIRY GOATS FOR YIELD AND TYPE
Author(s):
WIGGANS GEORGE R
HUBBARD SUZANNE M
WRIGHT JANICE R
Interpretive Summary:
To select genetically superior animals as parents, breeders must have accurate information on the genetic merit of their animals. Genetic evaluations of dairy goats (Alpines, Experimentals, LaManchas, Nubians, Oberhaslis, Saanens, and Toggenburgs and crossbred animals) have been developed from yield data collected through the National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program and from type (conformation) and pedigree data supplied by the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). Yield evaluations are calculated for milk, fat, and protein yields and component percentages; an index for milk, fat, and protein (MFP$) is calculated based on economic values for dairy cattle. Yield evaluations in July 1998 included 198,698 does and 43,763 bucks, of which 9,075 bucks had at least 5 daughters. Type evaluations are calculated for 13 linear type traits (stature, strength, dairyness, rump angle, rump width, rear legs, fore udder attachment, rear udder height, rear udder arch, medial suspensory ligament, udder depth, teat placement, and teat diameter) and final score. Evaluations for final score in November 1997 included 57,224 does and 19,135 bucks, of which 1,612 bucks had at least 5 daughters. Two production-type indexes are computed by ADGA with 2:1 and 1:2 weightings for MFP$ and predicted transmitting ability for final score. Genetic evaluations of dairy goats are released annually (July for yield, November for type) to the dairy goat industry by USDA. Evaluations are available to producers through ADGA or a USDA web site (http://aipl.arsusda.gov). Use of accurate, reliable genetic evaluations can lead to genetic improvement of dairy goats for traits of economic interest to breeders and producers.
Keywords:
genetic evaluation yield trait milk fat protein cheese data base conversion marker allele quantitative trait loci breeding value age season environmental factor accuracy inbreeding economic index dairy cattle statistical method value international formulas genetic gain efficiency animal breeding selection test plan collection
Contact:
10300 BALTIMORE BLVD.
BLDG. 263, RM. 102, BARC-
BELTSVILLE
MD 20705
FAX: 301-504-8092
Email: wiggans@aipl.arsusda.gov