Genex Calculates Genomic Report Card

SHAWANO, Wis. - To evaluate the precision of genomic proofs, Genex Cooperative, Inc. employed the standard of comparing bulls' genomic genetic evaluations to their daughter-proven evaluations. The "report card" for genomic evaluations show minimal average changes in genetic evaluations as Holstein and Jersey sires go from genomic-proven evaluations to proofs primarily based on daughters.

Holsteins: How Much of a Change?
The two tables below show the average change as genomic-proven Holstein sires add milking daughters. The report card includes Holstein bulls that were genomic-proven in August 2010 and now have a minimum of 40 daughters in their production proof and a minimum of 10 daughters in their type proof.

For example, as Table 1 shows Holstein bulls industrywide average a $29 decrease in Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) as they gain milking daughters. This is based on data from more than 2,100 bulls that average 105 daughters. Table 2 shows Holstein bulls decrease 0.20 points in PTA Type as they gain daughters. This data is based on more than 1,500 bulls that average 59 daughters each.

Table 1. Industrywide Change for LNM, Production and Health Traits as Holstein Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing 8-2010 to 4-2012 proofs)¹

No. of Sires	Avg No. of Daughters	LNM	LNM Rel.	TPISM	PTA Milk	Fat	Protein	Prod. Life	DPR
2123	105	-$29	+12	-11	-47	-2	-1	-0.6	+0.2

¹ 40 daughter minimum requirement.

Table 2. Industrywide Change for Conformation Traits as Holstein Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing 8-2010 to 4-2012 proofs)

No. of Sires	Avg. No. of Daughters	PTA Type	Udder Composite
1504	59	-0.20	-0.10

² 10 daughter minimum requirement.

Jerseys: How Much of a Change?
The following tables show the average change in genetic traits as genomic-proven Jersey sires add a significant number of milking daughters (10 daughter minimum requirement for production proof, 10 daughter minimum requirement for type data).

Table 3 shows as Jersey bulls have gained milking daughters their proof for Cheese Merit increased $41. This is based on data from 265 sires that average 73 milking daughters. Similarly, Table 4 shows that as Jersey bulls transition to daughter proven they have averaged a 0.13 increase in JUI™.

Table 3. Industrywide Change for LNM, Production and Health Traits as Jersey Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing 8-2010 to 4-2012 proofs)³

No. of Sires	Avg. No. of Daughters	LNM	LNM Rel.	Cheese Merit	JPI™	PTA Milk	Fat	Protein	Prod. Life	DPR
265	73	+$37	+12	+$41	+10	+134	+9	+5	+0.0	+0.0

³ 10 daughter minimum requirement.

Table 4. Industrywide Change for Conformation Traits as Jersey Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing 8-2010 to 4-2012 proofs)⁴

No. of Sires	Avg. No. of Daughters	PTA Type	JUI™
187	35	+0.04	+0.13

⁴ 10 daughter minimum requirement.

"This report card supports the fact that genomic-proven bulls provide unmatched and documented opportunity to accelerate genetic progress and improve farm profitability," summarizes Keith Heikes, Genex Vice President of Dairy Genetics & Global Alliance Development.

The recommended best practice for any producer is to use a group of genomic-proven bulls that fit the herd's breeding goals. By using a group of bulls, producers will minimize impact of any one bull with significant changes in PTA and provide greater means to manage inbreeding and genetic diversity.

Genex is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI), a member-owned holding cooperative. The mission statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."

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