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Genetic analysis of an artificial insemination progeny test program
O González-Recio1, C Ugarte, R Alenda
1Departamento de Producción Animal E.T.S.I. Agrónomos-Universidad Politécnica Ciudad Universitaria s/n 28040 Madrid, Spain. ogrecio@pan.etsia.upm.es
Journal of Dairy Science
|January 18, 2005
Summary
The Spanish progeny test (PT) program shows genetic gain comparable to international standards. Bull success in AI relies primarily on estimated breeding values for final score and protein yield.
Area of Science:
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of progeny testing (PT) programs is crucial for optimizing artificial insemination (AI) organizations.
- Spanish AI organizations have implemented PT programs to improve genetic merit in dairy populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the success of a Spanish AI organization's progeny test program.
- To compare the Spanish program's genetic trend with international PT programs.
- To investigate the relationship between parents' estimated breeding values (EBV) and progeny test outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of annual genetic trends and comparison with international PT programs.
- Calculation of correlations between EBV for PT bulls and their pedigree indices/parent averages.
- Evaluation of factors influencing the success of PT bulls, defined by the number of second-crop daughters.
Main Results:
- The Spanish PT program achieved an annual genetic gain similar to international programs.
- Correlations between EBV and parent averages (0.63–0.73) were stronger than with pedigree indices (0.52–0.70).
- Bull success was primarily linked to EBV for final score and protein yield, with significant sire and dam EBV correlations.
Conclusions:
- The Spanish AI organization's PT program is effective, contributing to genetic progress.
- Final score and protein yield are key indicators for the success of progeny tested bulls.
- Type-production index is less critical unless exceptionally high, with bulls sometimes utilized for protein or final score even with lower type values.