Selecting groups of sires by computer to maximize herd breeding goals

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Economics
• Genetics

Background:

• Dairy sire selection traditionally involves complex decision-making.
• Maximizing milk production while balancing other genetic and economic factors is a key challenge for dairymen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MAXBULL, a computerized linear program designed for optimal dairy sire selection.
• To enable dairymen to achieve maximum Predicted Difference (PD) milk yield while adhering to specific breeding objectives.

Main Methods:

• MAXBULL utilizes a linear programming approach to select sires based on multiple genetic traits.
• Dairymen define goals for milk, fat percent, type, individual traits, semen price, and repeatability.
• Sires are coded based on breed association evaluations, and user-defined restrictions are applied.

Main Results:

• The program provides a list of recommended sires with detailed information and weighted averages for all traits.
• It quantifies the expected increase in PD milk if specific goals are relaxed.
• MAXBULL facilitates individualized breeding programs with balanced trait emphasis and goal stability.

Conclusions:

• MAXBULL offers a systematic and data-driven approach to dairy sire selection.
• The program empowers dairymen to create balanced breeding strategies tailored to their specific herd goals.
• Implementation of MAXBULL can lead to more efficient and effective genetic improvement in dairy herds.