The optimization of breeding programmes for Irish beef cattle

Ane Skjelfjord

Prosjektleder: Theo Meuwissen

The project aims at optimizing the organization of the Irish beef cattle breeding schemes with respect to breeding structure, use of information sources, and generation intervals. Within these broad goals, there is special emphasis on:
1) Comparison of alternative designs of breeding schemes. The following alternative designs of breeding schemes will be compared: own performance testing, progeny testing, and sib testing design, within nucleus and open breeding structures. Also, combinations of these designs will be considered. Comparison is for genetic gain and inbreeding.
2) Achievable genetic gains for each of the breeding goal traits. Here, the genetic gain for each of the traits will be studied within each of the forementioned designs.
3) Opportunities to meet the international competition for the Irish beef breeding industry. Given the achievable responses, the question is addressed whether these responses are sufficiently high to meet the international competition, and whether this provides export opportunities for the Irish beef breeding industry.

Oppdatert: 18.10.04
Utskriftsvennlig versjon : Arkiv : Tips en venn