Application of contemporary methods for the use of international data in national genetic evaluations

Increased international trade of genetic material from dairy cattle requires genetic evaluations across countries. Methods are discussed for comparing genetic evaluations of bulls computed in different countries. A system that combines information from several countries and produces routine international evaluations of dairy bulls is described, and possible ways of utilizing such international information in national breeding programs are presented. Important issues for international genetic evaluations are the estimation of genetic parameters within and across countries and the impact of imported bull evaluations on international rankings. Both issues are discussed in this article in view of recent research findings and potential future applications. Optimally, routine systems for international evaluation of the future will consider all economically important traits and serve different and well-defined breeding goals.