NTM. Breeding for what truly matters. The NTM breeding goal is healthy, fertile, high producing cows the invisible cow. Elisabeth

Transcription

1 NTM Breeding for what truly matters The NTM breeding goal is healthy, fertile, high producing cows the invisible cow. Elisabeth 1

2 Contents Nordic Total Merit NTM a powerful tool for dairy farmers 3 How to read NTM and breeding values for traits in NTM? 3 Overview of the traits in NTM 4 Weights on health, production and conformation in NTM 5 NTM gives progress for all traits of economic importance 5 Cost cutting cow and unique health traits 7 Great trust in genomic breeding values and genetic progress 7 Economic value of NTM 8 Reliable and up-to-date registration system 9 Traits in NTM 10 Production index 11 Growth index 11 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in production and growth traits 12 Udder Health 12 Hoof health 13 General health 14 Effect of +10 units for health traits 15 Youngstock survival 16 Daughter fertility 17 Calving direct 18 Calving maternal 18 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility, calving direct 19 index and calving maternal index 19 Longevity 20 Frame 20 Feet & legs 21 Udder 21 Effect of -/+20 units for conformation traits 22 Milkability 24 Temperament 24 NTM works in real life 25 International comparisons Interbull 25 Summary of effects 26 Breed statistics and number of cows in control 27 2 Alex Arkink

3 Nordic Total Merit NTM a powerful tool for dairy farmers The Nordic Total Merit (NTM) is a complete breeding goal including both production and functional traits. Its development is the story of our commitment to a more integrated and sustainable cattle breeding. From late 1970 s, the three Nordic cooperatives that eventually merged to form VikingGenetics started to implement methods to ensure the balanced breeding goal. Increased profit by optimal inclusion of all economically important traits. Balanced breeding goal for improved health, fertility, production and functional conformation. Based on valuable and unique registrations by farmers, A.I. technicians, veterinarians, hoof trimmers, milk labs and slaughter houses collected into the same database. The Nordic Total Merit (NTM) is the most complete breeding index around the world; it has more than 60 sub-traits combined into 14 main traits that aim for healthy, fertile, well producing and long-lasting cows with good conformation. The Nordic countries were pioneers of using fertility and health traits in cattle breeding. Making the breeding decisions based on NTM gives progress in all important traits and improves profit. NTM is easy to get for all sires regardless of origin on the basis of the international comparison of dairy bulls from Interbull. You can also get genomic breeding values for females based on NTM scale by making a genomic test. Before Production index, calving index, daughter fertility, body, feet & legs, udder, milkability Mastitis resistance General health Other health, longevity & stillbirth included in calving index Hoof health Young stock survival How to read NTM and breeding values for traits in NTM? Breeding values are estimated by the independent scientific breeding institute NAV (Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation) Rolling base, cows 3-5 years old (for each genetic evaluation use a new group of cows) Average 0 for NTM, average for breeding values Standard deviation 10 units AVERAGE GOOD SUPER SUPERIOR NTM=0 NTM>+10 NTM>+20 NTM>+30 EBV= EBV> EBV >120 EBV>130 How are the indexes in NTM expressed? Estimated breeding values (EBVs) of all animals are adjusted in such a way that animals in the base population have an average index of. For all traits a rolling base consisting of cows from Denmark, Sweden and Finland that are 3-5 years of age at the date of publication is applied. That means that a new group of cows that satisfy the condition is used for each genomic evaluation. The Standard Deviation is a statistic that tells you how widely spread from the average the scores of all bulls are for any particular trait. The bell curve shows what each standard deviation represents. One standard deviation (10 units) away from the mean in either direction (the light blue area) accounts for about 68 % of the bulls. This means that bulls with NTM over % 34.1% and breeding values over 120 represent the 13.6% 13.6% top 2.5% of the breed. 0.1% 2.1% 2.1% NTM Index % 3

4 Overview of the traits in NTM Production Milk, fat and protein yield milk x (-0,20) + fat x (0,40) + protein x (0,80) - Holstein weights Growth Carcass weight and carcass classification of male offspring Udder health Clinical mastitis, somatic cell count, udder conformation traits Hoof health Registrations from hoof trimmers, 10 different hoof diseases General health Early and late reproductive disorders, metabolic disorders, feet & leg diseases Youngstock survival Survival of heifers and bull calves during early and late rearing periods Daughter fertility Days from calving to first insemination, days from first to last insemination, number of inseminations Calving direct & calving maternal Survival of calf, calving ease, size of calf Longevity Days in herd - 1st calving to the end of 3rd lactation Conformation 22 conformation traits, combined into frame, feet & legs and udder Milkability Farmer s interview (scale 1-5) or data from AMS l/min (if available) Temperament Registered by farmers/classifiers 4

5 Weights on health, production and conformation in NTM Several trait groups are weighted together based on economic values that is the result of thorough economic calculations and national breed association s expectations to future production conditions and price relations. NTM Table 1 Weights of traits in NTM. Source: NAV (November 2016) VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Production Growth Daughter fertility Calving direct Calving maternal Udder health General health Hoof health Longevity Youngstock survival Frame Feet & legs Udder Milkability Temperament HEALTH 53% TRAITS INCLUDED Udder health Daughter fertility General health Hoof health Calving (direct & maternal) Young stock survival Longevity PRODUCTION 30% TRAITS INCLUDED Production index *Milk kg *Protein kg *Fat kg Growth CONFORMATION WORKABILITY 17% TRAITS INCLUDED Udder conformation Feet & legs Milkability Temperament Today more than 50% of the weight in NTM is on health traits; 30% on production and around 20% on conformation. An increasing weight on health traits in NTM over years is a big success due to greater awareness of cost in dairy production. Dairymen manage to have less cost per kg produced milk and healthy cows will not take more attention than necessary and give the highest profit. NTM gives progress for all traits of economic importance With NTM you are breeding for improved profit. Results show that selecting for high NTM gives progress in all traits included in NTM. Figure below shows average increase in selected traits when increasing NTM with one unit. For instance, for Holstein longevity is increased with around 0.6 index units when NTM is increased with one unit. Correlations tell you how much progress is expected in each sub-index when making breeding selection according to NTM. For example, a correlation of 0,7 between NTM and a sub-index indicates that 70 % out of the maximum progress is expected to be achieved for that sub-index by breeding for NTM rather than breeding only for the sub-index. By breeding for NTM progress can be achieved for many traits simultaneously. Production General Health Daughter fertility Udder health Hoof health Calving direct Calving maternal Youngstock survival Feet & legs Udder Growth Milkability Temperament Frame -0,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 Longevity 0,64 0,03 0,02-0,06 0,10 0,24 0,21 0,17 0,35 0,32 0,30 0,46 0,45 0,44 0,41 Figure 1 Correlation between NTM and sub-indices Holstein. Source: NAV, November

6 Production Longevity Feet & legs Udder health Youngstock survival Calving maternal Udder Calving direct Daughter fertility General health Milkability Hoof health Temperament Growth Frame -0,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,05 0,01 0,01 0,08 0,30 0,29 0,27 0,24 0,23 0,21 0,21 0,19 0,18 0,51 0,66 Figure 2. Correlation between NTM and sub-indices Red Dairy Cattle. Source: NAV, November ,1 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 Production 0,56 Longevity 0,51 Udder health 0,51 Calving maternal 0,36 Youngstock survival 0,3 Daughter fertility Udder Frame Calving direct Hoof health Feet & legs Milkability General health Growth Temperament 0,02 0,24 0,19 0,16 0,15 0,13 0,11 0,09 0,29 0,29 Figure 3. Correlation between NTM and sub-indices Jersey. Source: NAV, November 2016 Longevity has the highest correlation with NTM and health traits. Table 1 Correlation between longevity and other traits in NTM. Trait Correlation % NTM 64 Daughter fertility 46 General health 39 Hoof health 38 Udder health 36 Youngstock survival 21 Feet & legs 15 Production 2 Udder 1 Frame -35 By using NTM you get most progress in: Production Udder health Daughter fertility Longevity Figures from Holstein bulls born 2008 or later, NAV

7 Cost cutting cow and unique health traits It is important to realize that reducing costs, such as reduced veterinary assistance because of healthier cows, is equally important in improving profitability as increasing milk yield is. They both have an effect on the profit of the dairy farmer. Trait Correlation to NTM % Correlation to longevity % Correlation to daughter fertility % Udder health Hoof health General Health Youngstock survival Despite the fact that health traits have a negative correlation to production, all our unique health traits have a strong positive correlation to NTM, longevity and daughter fertility. That means that healthy cows live longer and have higher lifetime production. Until 1994 no other countries in the world used health traits in cattle breeding. Cost Cutting Cows For every successful farmer it is important to cut costs, but in the right way. By choosing VikingGenetics you go for healthy cows and high production. An everyday solution that works!!! Fertility Hoof diseases Metabolic disorders problems Clinical mastitis Other diseases!!! We are pioneers in breeding for health and have a comprehensive health profile based on reliable registration system. adding value every day We are committed to breeding cost cutting cows! Great trust in genomic breeding values and genetic progress Genomic selection has changed breeding. In the Nordic countries, the use of young sires with breeding values based only on genomic information has increased rapidly during the recent years. This is because farmers and VikingGenetics believe in genomic breeding values and act accordingly. Farmers use genomic information as a management tool to select females within the herd. When farmers inseminate the high NTM females with sexed semen and the low NTM females - with beef semen, the average NTM in the herd will increase. This gives cows that are more profitable. Figure 1 Genetic progress in NTM Holstein Red Dairy Cattle Jersey There is genetic progress for NTM for all breeds. This implies that the average genetic capacity of the animals is improved year by year, so that in average offspring has an improved genetic level compared to the parent generation Genetic progress in NTM-units per year: Holstein (5.4) Red Dairy Cattle (4.3) Jersey (3.3) % Insemination with genomically tested young bulls With the use of genomic breeding values, the genetic progress will go faster. This makes it even more important to move in the right direction, thus have a breeding goal that contributes to economically profitable and healthy, long-lasting cows! 7

8 Economic value of NTM Economic values of each trait in the Nordic Total Merit (NTM) are based on Nordic production circumstances as well as market prices, using advanced calculation models; it is the cow s total revenue due to genetics expressed in Euro. The total revenue comes from the production of milk and beef, subtracted costs for labor, treatments, insemination, etc. For Holstein, 1 NTM unit has a value of 10 Euro per cow and year under Nordic conditions. The economic value of NTM is not the same for Red Dairy Breed and Jersey as it is for Holstein due to differences in genetic variation and economic marginal revenue for all traits in NTM. Even though the exact economic value of 1 NTM unit varies among the countries due to the difference in production conditions and prices, NTM will always be the reliable way to select the most profitable cows not only in the Nordic countries. Dairy and beef farmers all over the world can rely on NTM to achieve higher profits. NTM +0 NTM +10 = + per cow per year 1 unit of NTM is worth 10 euro per cow per year (NAV) 2 herds, A (average NTM 0) and B (average NTM +10), cows each, same treatment Farmer B will earn 10,000 euro more per year than farmer A Without any extra effort, it is in the genes! +10,000 euro extra per year Herd A cows average NTM 0 Herd B cows average NTM +10 8

9 Reliable and up-to-date registration system Registrations in the Nordic countries are the cornerstone in herd management. At the same time, they are a unique base for estimation of breeding values. Each cow has a unique ID from birth to slaughter All data in ONE database Strict veterinary rules - ALL veterinary treatments are registered More than % of herds participate in herd and health data recording 0,000 cows One unique cattle database In the Nordic countries, we have a unique and complete cattle database. We get registrations from many different players, such as farmers, veterinarians, milk lab, A.I. technicians, hoof trimmers, slaughter houses, classifiers, etc. All the data are sent to the same database. Young stock survival AI, fertility data Milk production Milk analysis Calving ease & stillbirths Breeding values on bulls and cows ALL veterinary treatments Hoof trimming reports Clinical mastits Classification Culling data Slaughter data Herd management tool Breeding values with high reliability The Nordic countries have been pioneers when it comes to breeding for health traits. We have had a wellorganized registration systems for 50 years. In the Nordic countries all treatments on a cow are registered and made by a veterinarian. These data are the foundation of the breeding values for health traits. It is crucial to use direct traits actual disease cases, and not only rely on indirect traits (such as SCC (somatic cell score) or udder conformation) - for mastitis resistance. This makes selection for disease resistance more reliable and selection for better longevity more efficient. 9

10 Traits in NTM Production Page 11 Growth Page 11 Udder health Page 12 Hoof health Page 13 General health Page 14 Youngstock survival Page 16 Daughter fertility Page 17 Calving direct & calving maternal Page 18 Longevity Page 20 Conformation Pages Milkability Page 24 Temperament Page 24 10

11 Production index Production index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for milk, fat and protein production. The index includes breeding values for Kg milk (in the first three lactations) Kg fat (in the first three lactations) Kg protein (in the first three lactations) We also have breeding values for: fat percentage protein percentage persistency (bull s daughters genetic potential for a persistent lactation curve from to 300 days after calving, a higher breeding value indicates flatter lactation curve) Data: High reliability of breeding values for Production with % of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in milk recording. Formula for calculating production index milk x (-0.20) + fat x (0.40) + protein x (0.80) (Viking- Holstein, VikingRed) milk x (-0.30) + fat x (0.50) + protein x (0.80) (Viking- Jersey) We breed for high fat and protein components, therefore, there is a negative weight on kilograms of milk. Figure 1 Genetic trend for Production index - Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016) Growth index 75 Growth index describes the genetic potential for carcass gain and carcass conformation score. The index includes breeding values for: Daily carcass gain Short fattening period Long fattening period Carcass conformation score (performed according to Beef carcass classification system - EUROP classification) Figure 2 Genetic trend for Growth index - Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). We also have breeding values for carcass fat score. Data: Data are registered by slaughter houses. Because of the unique ID we get carcass classification on each male offspring of our bulls. Depending on the price for meat it is an index that is important to take into consideration. Therefore, it has a weight in NTM. 11

12 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in production and growth traits Below you see the differences in breeding values, and 120 for Kg milk, Kg protein, Kg fat, daily carcass gain. VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV 120 Production population average Production values (Bull effect / % Difference from population) Production values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) 10,204 kg 10,532 kg (+328 kg / +3.2%) 10,860 kg (+656 kg / +6.4%) Kg milk (305 days) 9,009 kg 9,359 kg (+350 kg / +3.9%) 9,708 kg (+699 kg / +7.8%) 6,9 kg 7,281 kg (+286 kg / +4.1%) 7,567 kg (+572 kg / +8.2%) 342 kg kg (+10.0 kg / +2.9%) kg (+20.0 kg / +5.8%) Kg protein (305 days) 312 kg kg (+10.6 kg / +3.4%) kg (+21.2 kg / +6.8%) 288 kg kg (+8.6 kg / +3.0%) kg (+17.1 kg / +5.9%) 405 kg kg (+12.5 kg / +3.1%) kg (+2 kg / +6.2%) Kg fat (305 days) 3 kg kg (+13.5 kg /+3.5%) kg (+27.0 kg / +6.9%) Daily carcass gain short fattening period, g/day Daily carcass gain long fattening period. g/day 410 kg kg (+10.5 kg / +2.6%) kg (+21.0 kg / +5.1%) g (+11.7 g / +2.0%) 5.4 g (+23.4 g / +4.1%) g (+15.3 g / +2.7%) g (+30.6 g / +5.4%) g (+11.0 g / +2.7%) g (+22.0 g / +5.4%) g (+10.4 g / +2.1%) g (+20.8 g / +4.1%) g (+12.0 g / +2.4%) g (+24.0 g / +4.6%) N/A N/A N/A For example, a Holstein bull with +120 in Kg milk sub-index has genetic potential to increase Kg milk by 6.4% compared to the average for Holstein breed, which equals to 656 kg milk extra in Viking countries. Udder health 12 Udder health index describes the bull s daughters genetic ability to resist mastitis. Udder health index includes breeding values for udder health in the first three lactations based on records on clinical mastitis made by veterinarians. Only first case of clinical mastitis within each of four defined periods are used. Udder health includes: Mastitis in 1st lactation early (15 days before calving 50 days after calving) Mastitis in 1st lactation late ( days after calving) Mastitis in 2nd lactation and mastitis in 3rd lactation Cell count (first three lactations) and udder conformation (fore udder attachment and udder depth from the 1st lactation) are used as indicator traits for udder health. Data: Udder health index is calculated based on records on clinical mastitis made by veterinarians in the first three lactations. Using data on Somatic cell count (SCC) alone is not a good enough predictor for improving mastitis resistance. Correlation SCC and clinical mastitis ranges from 0.45 to Thus, registrations of clinical mastitis are more efficient. Official registrations are done for all cows on all farms in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. That results in a high reliability of breeding values for udder health. Figure 1: Genetic trend for Udder health showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016) ~21% less mastitis EBV EBV EBV 120 ~42% less mastitis

13 Hoof health Hoof health index describes the bull s daughters genetic ability to resist hoof diseases. The hoof health index includes breeding values for 10 hoof disorders grouped into 7 sub-traits. Sole ulcer Sole hemorrhage Heel horn erosion Digital dermatitis + interdigital dermatitis Verrucose dermatitis + interdigital hyperplasia Double sole + White line separation Cork screw hoof Data: Hoof health index is calculated based on hoof health records made by hoof trimmers in the first three lactations. Correlation to hoof health % (Holstein) NTM 35 Longevity 38 General Health 25 Feet & legs 24 Daughter fertility 23 Udder health 11 Figure 1 Genetic trend for Hoof health. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016) Hoof health index is a stronger tool to breed for mobile cows than feet and leg conformation. Correlation between hoof health and feet & legs conformation is The weight on the hoof health trait for Red and Jersey is lower than for Holstein, as these two breeds do not have as many problems with hoof health. Therefore, the genetic trend for RDC and Jersey is more stable. EBV EBV EBV 120 Sole ulcer Verrucose dermatitis Interdigital hyperplasia Cork screw hoof ~30% less ~60% less Digital & interdigital dermatitis Sole hemorrhage Heel horn erosion Double sole + white line 8-12% less 16-24% less 13

14 General health General health index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential to resist reproductive, metabolic and feet and leg diseases. This trait includes breeding values for: Early reproductive disorders - Retained placenta - Hormonal & infective reproductive disorders - Other reproductive disorders Late reproductive disorders - Hormonal & infective reproductive disorders - Other reproductive disorders Metabolic diseases - Ketosis - Milk fever - Other metabolic and feed related disorders Feet and leg problems Figure 1 Genetic trend for General Health. Data from NAV for three breeds (December 2016). Data: General health index is calculated based on health records made by veterinarian from first three lactations. Official registrations are done for all cows on all farms in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. That results in a high reliability of breeding values for general health. EBV EBV EBV 120 EARLY & LATE REPRO- DUCTIVE DISORDERS ~15% ~30% METABOLIC DISEASES ~20% ~40% 14

15 Effect of +10 units for health traits Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for udder health index (EBV is equal to population average) Udder health Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV 120 Mastitis frequency % population average Mastitis frequency % (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) Mastitis frequency % (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) VikingHolstein 12.8% 10.12% (-2.68% / -20.9%) 7.44% (-5.36% / -41.9%) VikingRed 8.2% 6.39% (-1.81% / -22.1%) 4.58% (-3.62% / -44.1%) VikingJersey 15.2% 12.65% (-2.55% / -16.8%) 10.10% (-5.10% / -33.6%) Table 2 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in hoof health index. Hoof disorders Bull with EBV % Difference from population average HOL/RDC/JER Bull with EBV 120 % Difference from population average HOL/RDC/JER Sole ulcer -28.7% / -25.6% / -11.1% -57.4% / -51.1% / -22.2% Sole hemorrhage -8.3% / -16.0% / -5.3% -16.6% / -32.0% / -10.5% Heel horn erosion -11.1% / -16.5% / -6.6% -22.2% / -33.1% / -13.2% Digital dermatitis + interdigital dermatitis -12.0% / -15.4% / -15.4% -24.1% / -30.8% / -30.8% Verrucose dermatitis + interdigital hyperplasia -29.2% / -37.5% / -21.4% -58.3% / -7% / -42.9% Double sole + white line -10.5% / -15.7% / -2.2% -21.1% / -31.3% / -4.4% Cork screw hoof -28.6% / -23.5% / -10.5% -57.1% / -47.1% / -21.1% Table 3 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in general health index VikingHolstein VikingRed Bull with EBV Disease frequency % population average Bull with EBV Disease frequency % (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) Bull with EBV 120 Disease frequency % (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) Early reproductive disorders Late reproductive disorders Metabolic diseases Feet and leg problems 7.3% 6.3% (-1.05% / -14.4%) 5.2% (-2.10% / -28.8%) 2.6% 2.1% (-0.53% / -20.6%) 1.5% (-1.08% / -41.1%) % 4.3% (-0.7% / -14.0%) 3.6% (-1.40% / -28.0%) 7.3% 6.2% (-1.06% / -14.5%) 5.2% (-2.12% / -2%) 4.9% 3.9% (-0.96% / -19.6%) 3.0% (-1.93% / -39.3%) 3.1% 2.1% (-1.03% / -33.1%) 1.0% (-2.06% / -66.3%) 16.3% 15.6% (-0.68% / -4.2%) 14.9% (-1.35%/ -8.3%) 4.4% 4.1% (-0.34% / -7.7%) 1.5% (-0.68% / -15.5%) 15

16 Youngstock survival Youngstock survival index (YSS) is the newest trait in NTM, added since YSS describes survival of heifer calves from day 1 after birth to 15 months of age and bull calves from birth to 6 months of age when the bull is the sire of the calf. Youngstock survival index includes the breeding values for: Early rearing period (heifers), 1-30 days Late rearing period (heifers), days Early rearing period (bulls), 1-30 days Late rearing period (bulls), days Survival traits in NTM (calving direct, longevity and newly added YSS) have high economic importance and cover the whole life-time of animals. In order to improve survival of animals during rearing period selection for more liveborn calves (relying on calving traits) and long-lasting cows (breeding for longevity) is not enough. It is more efficient to breed directly for higher survival rates among calves and young stock. By adding YSS, NTM now covers survival during the whole life-time of animals. Data: Breeding values for youngstock survival is based on farmer registrations of all transfers/deaths of animals The table below shows average survival rate (%) across three countries for the period and value in euro for improving youngstock survival by 1% unit per cow per year. Multiplying the values in euro with gives a rough estimate of the value of one lost animal in each of the periods. For example, value of one calf for Holstein heifer for late rearing period is equal to around 405 euro. Table 1 Economic value of lost animal in rearing period Holstein RDC Jersey Heifer, early period survival rate day 2 up to 1 month value in euro Heifer, late period survival rate up to 15 months value in euro Bull, early period survival rate day 2 up to 1 month value in euro Bull, late period survival rate up to 6 months value in euro There are large differences in survival between progeny groups of best and poorest AI bulls. This means that it is possible to breed for better survival. In the table below is an example of two bulls. The calves of the bull with 124 YSS have survived much better than the calves of the bull with 76 YSS. Table 2 Difference in youngstock survival between bulls with EBV 76 and 124. Source: NAV 2015 Bull with 124 YSS Bull with 76 YSS % Number of calves % survived Number of calves % survived difference in survival Heifers, early period % % 0.9% Heifers, late period % % 3.9% Bulls, early period % % 2.1% Bulls, late period % % 5.5% The table shows number of lost animals for the herds of various sizes and the estimated economic costs of losing. Value per lost animal is 405 euro for Holstein. Table 3 Economic costs of lost animals in late rearing period (heifers) Heifers, late period No lost animals costs (euro) Bull with EBV 80 Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV 120 Survival rate 94.68%.49% 96.3% 97.11% 97.93% Bull effect -1.63% -0.81% 0.00% +0.81% +1.63% % lost animals 5.3% 4.5% 3.7% 2.9% 2.1% % Difference EBV 44 % 22 % 0 % -22 % -44 % Herd with 50 heifers , Herd with heifers ,150 1,800 1,500 1, Herd with 200 heifers ,300 3,650 3,000 2,350 1,700 Herd with 300 heifers ,450 5,470 4,500 3,550 2,550 For example, a dairy farm with 200 heifers (aged 1 month 15 months) would save 2,600 EURO per year by using the bull with EBV 120 (cost of lost animals 1,700 EURO) compared with the bull with EBV 80 (cost of lost animals 4,300 EURO). A bull with 120 EBV would improve youngstock survival and help farmers reduce costs by 60%, relative to a bull with EBV

17 SAVE 30% SAVE 60% EBV 80 EBV EBV 120 Figure 1 Genetic trend for Youngstock survival. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). Daughter fertility Daughter fertility index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential to start or resume heat cycle after calving, to show oestrus and to conceive at insemination. The higher the breeding values, the better fertility. Traits included in the combined index for daughter fertility index are: Days from calving to first insemination (cows) Days from first to last insemination (cows, heifers) Number of inseminations per pregnancy (cows, heifers) We also have breeding values for: Conception rate (heifers, cows) bull s daughters genetic potential for pregnancy success after each insemination as heifers/cows Heat strength (heifers, cows) bull s daughters genetic potential for showing heat as heifers/cows (based on farmers assessment on scale 1-5, data only from Sweden) Data: Daughter fertility index is calculated based on data from insemination records on heifers and cows from first three lactations. Data is collected by A.I. technicians and farmers. High reliability of breeding values for daughter fertility with % of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording. Effect of +10 index units for daughter fertility sub-traits The table shows average for different breeds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland (which corresponds to the level for a bull with breeding values for daughter fertility sub-traits ) and the effect of +10 units and +20 units in the sire on performance on the different sub-traits in daughter fertility index. Negative values mean decrease in days and number of inseminations per pregnancy and, therefore, are desirable. Figure 2 Genetic trend for daughter fertility showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). The strongest correlation between daughter fertility index and the sub-traits are for Days from first to last insemination ( ) and Number of insemination per pregnancy ( )

18 Calving direct Calving direct index describes the bull s offspring s genetic potential to be born easily and alive. Pure direct effect the bull is father of the calf and the measure describes his direct effect on the calf s ability to be born easily. The higher the breeding value, the more likely bull s offspring is born easily and alive. Calving direct index includes Survival (direct) for the first five lactations (bull s offspring genetic potential to be born alive and to survive over the first 24 hours after birth) Calving ease (direct) for the first five lactations (bull s offspring s genetic potential to be born without calving problems) We also have breeding values for: Size (direct) (bull s offspring s genetic potential for size at birth. Assessment on scale 1-4, data only from Denmark. 1 st lactation 2 nd and later lactations Data: Registrations for calving direct are collected by farmers. High reliability of breeding values for calving direct with % of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording. Figure 1 Genetic trend for Calving Direct index. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). Calving maternal Calving maternal index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for easy calvings and live-born calves. The higher the breeding value, the more likely bull s daughters calve a living calf without problems. Pure maternal effect the bull is maternal grandfather of the calf. Breeding value describes his effect on the calf mother s ability to calve easily. Calving maternal index includes Survival (maternal) for the first five lactations - (bull s daughters genetic potential to get a liveborn calf that survives over the first 24 hours after birth) Calving ease (maternal) for the first five lactations (bull s daughters genetic potential to calve easily) We also have breeding values for: Size maternal (bull s daughters genetic potential for their calves size at birth, assessment on scale 1-4, data only from Denmark) 1 st lactation 2 nd and later lactations Calving (mgs) (bull s genetic potential to get offspring that are both born easily and calve easily. A combination of direct and maternal effect the bull is maternal grandfather of the calf and the measure describes his effect both on the calf s ability to be born easily and on the calf s mother s ability to calve easily. Includes breeding values for survival (mgs) and calving ease (mgs) based on calving records from first five lactations) Data: Registrations for calving direct are collected by farmers. High reliability of breeding values for calving maternal with % of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in data recording. Figure 2 Genetic trend for calving maternal showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for three breeds (December 2016). 18

19 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility, calving direct index and calving maternal index Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in daughter fertility. Source: NAV and breed statistics VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Days from calving to first insemination, days Days from first to last insemination, days Number of inseminations per pregnancy Bull with EBV Values for population average Bull with EBV Fertility values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) Bull with EBV 120 Fertility values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) (-2.2 / -2.8%) 73.6 (-4.4 / -5.6%) (-1.7 / -2.2%) 72.6 (-3.4 / -4.5%) (-1.6 / -2.2%) 69.8 (-3.2 / -4.4%) (-5.9 / -14.8%) 28.2 (-11.8 / -29.5%) (-4.9 / -14.4%) 24.2 (-9.8 / -28.8%) (-4.0 / -11.1%) 28.0 (-8.0 / -22.2%) (-0.03 / -1.6%) 1.77 (-0.06 / -3.3%) (-0.08 / -4.5%) 1.63 (-0.16 / -8.9%) (-0.06 / -3.3%) 1.69 (-0.12 / -6.6%) Table 2 Effect of +10 index units for sub-traits in calving direct index and calving maternal index. Source: NAV and breed statistics VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Bull with EBV Values for population average Bull with EBV Bull with EBV 120 Calving values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) 8.49 direct 7.49 (-1.00 / -11.8%) maternal 6.49 (-2.00 / -23.6%) Survival calve % of dead calves 5.11 direct 4.21 (-0. / -17.6%) maternal 4.31 (-1.00 / -19.6%) direct (-1.2 / -10.5%) maternal 7 (-2.4 / -20.9%) 3.70 direct 3.67 (-0.03 / -0.8%) maternal 3.58 (-0.12 / -3.2%) Calving ease % of difficult calvings 3.29 direct 3.27 (-0.02 / -0.6%) maternal 3.26 (-0.03 / -0.9%) 2.99 direct 2.98 (-0.01 / -0.3%) maternal 2.96 (-0.03 / -1.0%) Calving values (Bull effect / % Difference from population average) direct 6.49 (-2.00 / -23.6%) maternal 4.49 (-4.00 / -47.1%) direct 3.51 (-1.80 / -35.2%) maternal 3.31 (-2.00 / -39.1%) direct 7 (-2.4 / -20.9%) maternal 6.67 (-4.8 / -41.8%) direct 3.64 (-0.06 / -1.6%) maternal 3.46 (-0.24 / -6.5%) direct 3.25 (-0.04 / -1.2%) maternal 3.23 (-0.06 / -1.8%) direct 2.97 (-0.02 / -0.7%) maternal 2.93 (-0.06 / -2.0%) 19

20 Longevity Longevity index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for a long productive life. The index includes breeding value for time from first calving to the end of third lactation. We also have breeding values for time from calving to the end of lactation for the first five lactations including maximum 365 days per lactation. Data: High reliability of breeding values for production with % of commercial dairy herds in Denmark, Sweden and Finland participating in milk recording. Table 1 Genetic trend for longevity showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). Extra days in production life from first calving to the end of Bull with EBV Bull with EBV rd lactation Holstein +36 days +72 days Red Dairy Cattle +34 days +68 days Jersey +35 days +70 days Figure 1 Genetic trend for longevity showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016) Average number of lactations per cow is around 2.5 in the Nordic countries. That is because it is a common practice to inseminate almost all heifers to ensure enough replacement cows, even though the animals have a genetic potential for longer life. Frame Frame index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for frame conformation. Higher breeding values indicates larger cows for all breeds. Frame index includes breeding values for: Stature Body depth Chest width Dairy form Top line Rump width Rump angle Data: Breeding values are based on classification records in the first three lactations made by official classifiers. We have breeding values for frame. However, as frame has weight equal to 0, frame is not included in NTM for the three breeds. Figure 2 Genetic trend for frame. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). 20

21 Feet & legs Feet & legs index describes the genetic potential for feet and leg conformation. Higher breeding values indicate better feet and leg conformation for all breeds. Figure 1 Genetic trend for feet & legs conformation showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). Feet & Legs index includes breeding values for: Rear legs, side view Rear legs, back rear view Hock quality Bone quality Foot angle Data: Breeding values are based on classification records in the first three lactations made by official classifiers Udder Udder index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for udder conformation. Higher breeding values indicate better udder conformation for all breeds. 120 Figure 2 Genetic trend for udder conformation showing a strong positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016). Udder index includes breeding values for: Fore udder attachment Rear udder height Rear udder width Udder cleft/support Udder depth Teat length Teat thickness Teat placement (front) Teat placement (back) Udder balance Data: Breeding values are based on classification records in the first three lactations made by official classifiers

22 Effect of -/+20 units for conformation traits VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Economic optimum Bull with EBV 80 Conformation values / Bull effect Bull with EBV Values for population aver. Bull with EBV 120 Conformation values / Bull effect Stature, cm / / / / / / Body depth, / / / / / / Chest width, / / / / / / FRAME Dairy form, / / / / / / Top line, / / / / / / Rump width, / / / / / / Rump angle, 4.3 / / / / / / Rear legs, side view 4.9 / / / / / / FEET & LEGS Rear legs, back view Hock quality Bone quality / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Foot angle / / / / / / Fore udder attachment / / / / / / Rear udder height 6.0 / / / / / / Rear udder width 5.4 / / / / / / Udder support / / / / / / UDDER Udder depth Teat length / / / / / / / / / / / / Teat thickness / / / / / / Teat placement front / / / / / / Teat placement back 6.0 / / / / / / Udder balance / / / / / / +0.33

23 Stature, cm Economic optimum Bull 80 Bull Bull Chest width Chest width Foot angle Foot angle Fore udder attachment Fore udder attachment Udder depth Udder depth Rear teat placement Rear teat placement

24 Milkability Milkability index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for milking speed (expressed as flow of fat + protein). The higher the breeding value, the faster the milking speed. We also have breeding value for leakage (how easily bull s daughters leak between milkings. The higher the breeding value, the less the leakage. Data includes herd owners assessment on cows leakage (leaks / doesn t leak). Data: Registrations for milkability are collected by farmers and are based on herd owners assessment on cows milkability compared to other cows in the same herd on scale 1-5. Besides that, information from electronic milk recording from AMS and milking parlours is included, measured as gram of fat + protein per minute (if available this is used instead of the herd owners assessment). Figure 1 Genetic trend for milkability. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016) Table 1 Effect of +10 index units for milkability index Holstein, gram of fat + protein per minute Holstein, standard milk, kg per minute Holstein, standard milk, liters per minute Milking time, cow with daily yield 30 kgs of standard milk Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV g/min +20 g/min 2.4 kg/min kg/min / +5.4% kg/min / +10.8% l/min l/min 0 sec / 15 min 45 sec shorter / 5% sec shorter / 10% Red dairy cattle g/min +20 g/min Jersey g/min +20 g/min Temperament Temperament index describes the bull s daughters genetic potential for temperament. The higher the breeding value, the better the temperament. Data: Data is based on herd owners assessment on cows temperament compared to other cows in the same herd on scale 1-5 (Finland) or 1-9 (Denmark and Sweden). Figure 2 Genetic trend for temperament showing a positive direction. Data from NAV for 3 breeds (December 2016)

25 NTM works in real life Proven by real-world data study results from 50 Holstein herds with more than 7,000 cows in Denmark 1 st lactation 2 nd lactation Invisible power of NTM 7,350 cows are divided into three groups based on their pedigree NTM: kg milk kg fat & protein Production kg milk kg fat & protein NTM 3.2 NTM days less Days from 1st to last ins. 4.7 days less Lowest 1/3 Middle 1/3 Highest 1/3 Cows might look the same but NTM reveals the difference between them. Cows with the highest pedigree NTM perform BEST. -3.1% Mastitis treatments -2.5% +4.5% Survival rate +11.5% International comparisons Interbull Table 1 Average value - TOP Holstein bulls (Interbull - December 2016) Traits VikingGenetics USA Canada Netherlands Germany UK Production Daughter fertility Udder health Longevity Calving direct (birth) N/A Calving maternal N/A Frame Feet & legs Udder Milkability Temperament NTM (average for TOP bulls) Table 2, 3 RDC - Average value - TOP RDC bulls (Interbull - December 2016) Udder health** Direct calving ease Maternal calving ease Nordic Total Merit Canada Germany 91.2 n.a. n.a Norway VikingRed No of bulls Milk index Fat index Protein index Production index Canada Germany Norway VikingRed * Number of bulls used for calculating mean values vary for different traits. ** Udder health. minimum 40 % reliability. Somatic cell count for countries without udder health 25

26 Summary of effects VikingHolstein VikingRed VikingJersey Bull with EBV Bull with EBV Bull with EBV 120 Population average % Difference from population average % Difference from population average (absolute values) PRODUCTION & WORKABILITY** Kg milk 305 days 10,204 9,009 6, kg +350 kg +286 kg +656 kg +699 kg +572 kg Kg protein 305 days kg kg +8.6 kg kg kg kg Kg fat 305 days kg kg kg +2 kg kg kg Daily carcass gain short fattening period, g/day Daily carcass gain long fattening period. g/day g g g g g g N/A g g N/A g g N/A Milkability** g fat + protein per minute 182 N/A N/A +10 g/min +10 g/min +10 g/min +20 g/min +20 g/min +20 g/min FERTILITY, CALVING & SURVIVAL Days open** days less 6.6 days less 5.6 days less 16.2 days less 13.2 days less 11.2 days less Nr. inseminations per pregnancy % -4.5% -3.3% -3.3% -8.9% -6.6% Survival calve % of dead calves Calving ease % of difficult calvings direct -11.8% mat % direct -0.8% mat. -3.2% direct -17.6% mat % direct -0.6% mat. -0.9% direct -10.5% mat % direct -0.3% mat. -1.0% direct -23.6% mat % direct -1.6% mat. -6.5% direct -35.2% mat % direct -1.2% mat. -1.8% direct -20.9% mat % direct -0.7% mat. -2.0% Youngstock survival, % lost animals, heifers 1-15 months 3.7 N/A N/A -22 % N/A N/A -44 % N/A N/A HEALTH & LONGEVITY Mastitis frequency % % -22.1% -16.8% -41.9% -44.1% -33.6% Early reprod. disease frequency % N/A -14.5% -20.5% N/A -28.8% -41.1% N/A Late reprod. disease frequency % Metabolic disease frequency % Feet & legs problems frequency % Sole ulcer, points scale 0-2* Sole hemorrhage points scale 0-2* Heel horn erosion points scale 0-2* Digital dermatitis + Inter. dermatitis points scale 0-2* Verrucose derm. + Inter. hyperplasia, frequency % Double sole + white line frequency % Cork screw claw frequency % 7.3 N/A -14.0% -14.5% N/A -28.0% -2% N/A N/A -19.6% -33.2% N/A -39.3% -66.3% N/A N/A -4.2% -7.7% N/A -8.3% -15.5% N/A % -25.6% -11.1% -57.4% -51.1% -22.2% % -16.0% -5.3% -16.6% -32.0% -10.5% % -16.5% -6.6% -22.2% -33.1% -13.2% % -15.4% -15.4% -24.1% -30.8% -30.8% % -37.5% -21.4% -58.3% -7% -42.9% % -15.7% -2.2% -21.1% -31.3% -4.4% % -23.5% -10.5% -57.1% -47.1% -21.1% Longevity** N/A N/A N/A +36 days +34 days +35 days +72 days +68 days +70 days * Some hoof disorders have disease score expressed in points on the scale from 0 to 2: 0 no disease, 1 mild disease, 2 severe disease) ** Production & workability, days open, longevity are shown as absolute values 26

27 Breed statistics and number of cows in control Table 1 Production averages for VikingHolstein, VikingRed, VikingJersey Breed (305-days lactation) Milk kg Fat kg Fat % Protein kg Protein % Kg ECM VikingHolstein 10, ,125 VikingRed 9, ,413 VikingJersey 6, ,968 Table 2 Number of cows in control Breed Denmark Sweden Finland Total VikingHolstein 363, ,192 87, ,384 VikingRed 31,400 97,357, ,729 VikingJersey 67,354 1, ,761 VikingNativepolled 891 2,276 3,167 Total 462, , ,322 2,041 9,009 kg 3,35 % prot. 10,204 kg 4,33 % fat 3,97 % fat 3,46 % prot. 4,12 % prot. 5,86 % fat 6,9 kg

28 Cost Cutting Cows! Hoof diseases! For every successful farmer it is important to cut costs, but in the right way. By choosing VikingGenetics you go for healthy cows and high production. An everyday solution that works!! Fertility Metabolic disorders problems Clinical mastitis Other diseases!! 28 adding value every day