Viking

Contact us Viking Genetics International Sweden Box 64 SE-532 21 Skara Tlf.: +46 511 267 00 Fax: +46 511 267 07 Email: export@vikinggenetics.com
Denmark Ebeltoftvej 16, Assentoft DK-8960 Randers SØ Tlf.: +45 8795 9400 Fax: +45 8795 9401 Email: export@vikinggenetics.com
Finland Urheilutie 6 FI-01300 Vantaa Tlf.: +358 40 311 5350 Fax: +358 20 747 2047 Email: export@vikinggenetics.com

Explanation of the breeding values

The Swedish AI bulls are declared for a number of traits - here you find out more about the different breeding values for the beef bulls.

The AI bull has breeding values for:
Growth index Selection index for growth at the test station.

Ease of calving Easy calvings on dairy cows - high value favourable.

Still births Few stillborn calves on dairy cows - high value favourable.

The BLUP breeding values
All pure breed animals in the beef cattle control program get breeding values for growth and birth weights calculated with BLUP-animal model. The weight is recorded at birth, 200 days and at one year of age. The calving ease is also recorded for all calvings. The breeding values are more reliable for AI-bulls since they are used in many herds and have many progenies.

Birth weight, M Maternal grand sire effect.

Birth weight, D Sire effect.

200 M Growth from birth - 200 days (maternal), in practice a breeding value for milk production.

200 D Growth from birth - 200 days.

365 D Growth 200 days - 365 days.

Total Growth birth - 365 days (average for 200 D and 365 D).

Calvings Sire Calving ease sire (pure bred).

Calvings MGS How easy the daughters of the bull give birth (pure bred).

Carcass conformation The classification of the carcass according to EUROP system. Based on slaughtered sons and other relatives. Information from the slaughter industry.

Carcass fat Based on slaughtered sons and other relatives. Information from the slaughter industry.

Growth rate of carcass Based on slaughtered sons and other relatives. Information from the slaughter industry.

The breeding values are relative values and the average is 100.

Values below 100 shows that the weight is below average, to prefer for Birth weight but not for the other traits. Standard deviation is 4