R&D
Calving Ease
Project details
The aim of this project was to examine the feasibility of producing
calving ease evaluations for UK dairy cattle using currently
available data. To do this the methods of genetic evaluation of
calving traits around the world were evaluated. Secondly a detailed
examination of the data relating to calving performance in the
national milk recording organisation databases was examined with
suggestions made on the future development of calving ease
recording. Thirdly, UK recorded calving data was used to attempt to
estimate both direct and maternal genetic effects for calving ease
and stillbirths for UK dairy cattle. Finally, a suite of programmes
was prepared to produce a data and pedigree file for genetic
evaluations and passed to EGENES. These data were described and
recommendations for future development on calvingease evaluations
will be made.
Completion Date
September 2009
Lead Contractor
SAC
Funder
DairyCo
Related products and resources
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