Holstein evaluation, including data from: Danish Holstein, Danish Red Holstein, Swedish Holstein, Finnish Holstein, Finnish Ayrshire and Finn Cattle.

Red evaluation, including data from: Danish Red, Swedish Red, Finnish Ayrshire, Finnish Holstein and Finn Cattle

Jersey evaluation, including data from: Danish Jersey

Yield data included in the evaluations was extracted from the national databases the following dates: Denmark 31.10.2007, Finland 23.10.2007 and Sweden 23.10.2007

Type, milk ability and temperament data included in the evaluations was extracted from the national databases the following dates: Denmark 9.11.2007, Finland 23.10.2007 and Sweden 29.10.2007

Fertility data included in the evaluations was extracted from the national databases the following dates: Denmark 31.10.2007, Finland 23.10.2007 and Sweden 23.10.2007

Udder health data included in the evaluations was extracted from the national databases the following dates: Denmark 4.11.2007, Finland 23.10.2007 and Sweden 23.10.2007

Calving trait data included in the evaluations was extracted from the national databases the following dates: Denmark 4.11.2007, Finland 23.10.2007 and Sweden 23.10.2007

News in relation to NAV genetic evaluation

No changes

Genetic base

EBVs for Bulls and females are expressed to the same cow base. At this genetic evaluation include the genetic base (average 100) cows born from 1.12.2002 to 1.12.2004.

For functional traits sire models are used and EBVs for cows are not estimated. For functional traits the genetic base includes bulls, which are sire of present cows – see table 1.

Table 1. Definition of genetic base for cows and bulls

NAV – frequency and timing of routine runs

NAV has decided to change the frequency and timing of routine runs as consequence of the changes in timing of the international genetic evaluation at the Interbull centre, which will be introduced in autumn 2007. Currently NAV has 7 evaluations per year for type and yield and 4 per year for all other traits. From 1st January 2008 and onwards NAV will have 6 evaluations per year for all traits. The future NAV evaluations are timed in a way so NAV can deliver updated EBVs to all the international evaluations. In table 2 the current and future NAV and Interbull release dates are shown.

Table 2. NAV and Interbull release dates in 2007 and 2008. EBVs released at NAV dates with bold will be delivered to international genetic evaluation.

You can get more information about the joint Nordic evaluation:

General about Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation: www.nordicebv.info
Contact person: Gert Pedersen Aamand, Ph.: +45 87405288 gap@landscentret.dk,

Denmark: www.landscentret.dk/nav
Contact person: Ulrik Sander Nielsen, Danish Cattle, Ph. +45 87405289, usn@landscentret.dk

Sweden: www.svenskmjolk.se
Contact person: Jan-Åke Eriksson, Swedish Dairy Association, Ph. +46 08-790 58 67
jan-ake.eriksson@svenskmjolk.se