The Utilizing & Comprehending Sire Summaries in Pakistan By Umar Aziz M.Sc. (Hons.) ABG

 © Umar Aziz/Evergreen Sire 2023

Name: Umar Aziz 
E-Mail: 2021ag266@uaf.edu.pk
Department*: Animal Breeding and Genetics 
University/Organization*: University of Agriculture Faisalabad 
Google Scholar Profile Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=en&user=jKxu5TUAAAAJ
Research Gate Profile Link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Umar-Aziz-9 
OrchidID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6266-4340 
PMID: umaraziz@orcid


For the beef and dairy cow industries, the creation of sire summaries has been a significant advancement. Breeders now have the chance to make more precise selections thanks to sire summaries. Cattle ranchers cannot afford breeding programme errors due to high production costs and competition from other meats. As a result, the producer's capacity to employ sire summaries is crucial. The calf crop of the following year will reflect any errors made in this year's sire selection. Three years later, as his daughters start having children, the sire's genetic effect will reappear.

There is no reliable data on animal summaries and recordkeeping in Pakistan. The goal of this article is to increase awareness of the importance of animal selection.

How to interpret animal summary and creation

 

In Pakistan vs international 





We will take the example of st genetics animal and evergreen sires and trying to get knowledge and interpret it.

Registration 


Animal registration is a critical component of animal data management. There are various breeding societies in the United States that keep and register animal data. Like (National Association of Animal Breeders) NAAB has been dedicated for over 75 years to connecting individuals and organisations involved in artificial insemination of cattle and other livestock by promoting the shared interests and values of its members.

In Pakistan there is only one government association, Livestock Breeding Services Authority. Livestock Breeding Services Authority was established in 2014, enacted under LBSA Act, 2014



Like in this picture we can get the basic knowledge regarding animal tag and registration.

Registered Holstein Ancestry" or "RHA,RHNA,RHI"


The Holstein Association of the United States has a single, fully disclosed herdbook. Each herdbook animal has a determined, documented, and reported percentage of "Registered Holstein Ancestry," or "RHA." This proportion is obtained by averaging the parents' percent RHA and rounding down to the next whole number.

In Pakistan there is no data or figure that are kept by any animal research center or LBSA 



Date of birth 

D.O.B is recorded and well managed in Pakistan, its because of animal registration process. The tag of animal shows us the age of animal. In Pakistan mostely age is represent by animal tags.





DMS (Dairy Mating Service)

This the private organization that comes and evaluate the bulls regarding their traits and gave that bull a proper number.

In Pakistan there different organization like Buffalo breeder association and Sahiwal cattle breed association but there no capacity building about the animal recording unfortunetly.



aAa (animal analysis associates)

same organization like DMS in Pakistan there is no association that are present now a days.


Fig. basic idea regarding traits that’s aAa follows. Each of the six aAa numbers describes desirable qualities of form and function. It is not possible for an animal to be “too Dairy” or “too Tall”.





A2A2


Beta-casein, which accounts for 30% of milk protein, comes in two forms: A1 and A2. A2 milk includes exclusively the A2 beta-casein protein type. Cows with the A2A2 gene only produce A2 milk. sahiwal,Jersey, Guernsey, Normande, and Brown Swiss breeds have more A2 genes than Holstein. 

There have been suggestions that A2 milk is simpler to digest, promotes health, and reduces the risk of certain diseases. Many of these claims have not been scientifically proven. The most promising claim is for improved human digestion.











Disease resistance 

Diagnostic tests are classified into two types: those that identify antibodies to a certain organism (showing exposure) and those that detect the organism itself in an animal's tissues or body fluids. Whatever type of test is utilised, it is critical to note that every test has advantages and weaknesses, and no test is completely accurate. A single negative test is no guarantee that an animal is free of infectious disease, and a positive test result should almost always be confirmed with a follow-up diagnostic test. Examine diagnostic testing choices and results with your veterinarian. Remember that a proper quarantine period enables time for all first and follow-up diagnostic testing to be completed.


Pedigree 

The basic pedigree data is maintain and recorded by both LBSA and breeder. The following example of st genetic sire.



The data we maintain in Pakistan 


Production data 


The milk, fat and protein in the sire data refers to production data. Before we dig into it first we have to know about basic knowledge about common term and their understanding.

Breeding Value (BV): The value of an animal as a (genetic) parent.

Breeding Value: The part of an individual genotypic value that is due to additive effect and therefore transmittable. (Breed true)

Independent Gene Effect: The effect of an allele is independent of the effect of the other allele at the same locus (dominance) and the effects of alleles at other loci (epistasis). ADDITIVE EFFECT.

Estimated Breeding Value (EBV): An estimation of a breeding Value.

Progeny Difference (PD) or Transmitting Ability (TA): Half of an individual’s breeding value. The expected difference of the individual’s progeny and the mean performance of all progenies.

Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) or Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA): A prediction of a progeny difference.

General Formulas for BV and ACC

              P = trait mean of the animal(s) of record.

                trait mean of contemporary group.

              b = regression factor.



Phenotype expressed as a deviation from the mean







nderstanding the CDCB Summary Genomic: A Comprehensive Guide


 As a dairy farmer or industry professional, it is essential to understand the CDCB Summary Genomic and what it means for your herd's genetic progress. In this guide, we will explore the various components of the CDCB Summary Genomic and their interpretations.



Introduction to CDCB Summary Genomic


  The CDCB Summary Genomic is a tool that enables dairy farmers to make informed breeding decisions based on the genetic potential of their herd. The Summary Genomic predicts the future genetic performance of a cow's offspring, allowing farmers to select cows that will produce high-quality milk and have desirable traits.

 The CDCB Summary Genomic is based on a cow's genomic data, which includes information about her DNA. The genomic data is combined with information about the cow's physical traits, such as milk production, to create a comprehensive genetic profile.



Understanding NM$ and its components


 Net Merit (NM$) is a measure of a cow's genetic potential for profitability. It is calculated by combining several traits, including milk production, fat and protein percentages, and reproductive performance. 

 The most recent CDCB Summary Genomic has an NM$ of +1103, indicating that a cow with this score will produce offspring with a high genetic potential for profitability. Milk production is one of the most critical components of NM$, and cows with a high milk production score will have a higher NM$.

Cheese Merit ($), Fat (F), and Protein (P) are also important components of NM$. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Cheese Merit score of +2160, indicating that a cow with this score will produce offspring with a high genetic potential for cheese production. The Summary Genomic also has a Fat score of +123 and a Protein score of +67, indicating that a cow with these scores will produce offspring with high genetic potential for fat and protein production.



Interpretation of Milk and Cheese Merit


 Milk and Cheese Merit are essential components of the CDCB Summary Genomic. Milk Merit is a measure of a cow's genetic potential for milk production, while Cheese Merit is a measure of a cow's genetic potential for cheese production.The Milk Merit score is based on a cow's milk production, fat and protein percentages, and somatic cell score (SCS). A higher Milk Merit score indicates a cow with high milk production, high fat and protein percentages, and low SCS.

 The Cheese Merit score is based on a cow's milk production, fat and protein percentages, and the proportion of protein in the milk that is used to make cheese. A higher Cheese Merit score indicates a cow with high milk production, high fat and protein percentages, and a high proportion of protein that is used to make cheese.



Evaluating Fat and Protein percentages


 Fat and protein percentages are essential components of the CDCB Summary Genomic. A cow's fat and protein percentages indicate the proportion of fat and protein in her milk. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Fat score of +123 and a Protein score of +67, indicating that a cow with these scores will produce offspring with high genetic potential for fat and protein production. A higher fat percentage indicates a cow with a higher energy intake, while a higher protein percentage indicates a cow with a higher protein intake. Both are essential for milk production and the overall profitability of a cow.


Genomic traits affecting reproduction - Gestation Length, Mastitis, Livability, Heifer Livability, and Fertility Index


Reproduction is a critical component of a cow's profitability, and the CDCB Summary Genomic includes several traits that affect reproduction.

Gestation Length is a measure of the length of time a cow is pregnant. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a gestation length score of -3, indicating that a cow with this score will have a slightly shorter pregnancy than average.

 Mastitis is a measure of a cow's susceptibility to mastitis, an infection that can affect milk production. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Mastitis score of +1.7, indicating that a cow with this score will have a slightly higher susceptibility to mastitis than average.

Livability and Heifer Livability are measures of a cow's genetic potential for survival. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Livability score of -0.8 and a Heifer Livability score of +0.9, indicating that a cow with these scores will have a slightly lower genetic potential for survival than average.

 Fertility Index is a measure of a cow's genetic potential for fertility. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Fertility Index score of -0.7, indicating that a cow with this score will have a slightly lower genetic potential for fertility than average.


Assessing Feed Efficiency - RFI and Feed Saved


 Feed efficiency is a critical component of a cow's profitability, and the CDCB Summary Genomic includes two traits that affect feed efficiency.

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a measure of a cow's efficiency in converting feed into milk. The CDCB Summary Genomic has an RFI score of +31, indicating that a cow with this score will have a slightly lower efficiency in converting feed into milk than average.

Feed Saved is a measure of a cow's ability to maintain milk production with less feed. The CDCB Summary Genomic has a Feed Saved score of +180, indicating that a cow with this score will have a slightly higher ability to maintain milk production with less feed than average.


The Impact of Stillbirth on Your Dairy Herd: Insights from Calving Summary Data


 As a dairy farmer and breeder, I know how heartbreaking it can be to lose a calf at birth. Stillbirth is a common issue in dairy herds and can have a significant impact on the overall health and productivity of your farm. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of calving summary data in managing stillbirth, the meaning of sire and daughter calving ease and stillbirth, and strategies to reduce stillbirth in your dairy herd.


Introduction to Stillbirth in Dairy Herds


Stillbirth is defined as the death of a calf in the uterus before, during, or after calving. It's a common issue in dairy herds, and its impact can be significant. Not only does it result in the loss of a valuable animal, but it can also lead to increased labor and veterinary costs, reduced milk production, and decreased fertility in the dam.



Understanding Calving Summary Data and Its Role in Managing Stillbirth


Calving summary data is a valuable tool for managing stillbirth in your dairy herd. It provides information on the number of live births, stillbirths, and abortions, as well as the calving ease and stillbirth rates of individual sires and their daughters. By analyzing this data, you can identify trends and patterns that may indicate underlying issues in your herd.


Sire Calving Ease and Daughter Calving Ease: What Do They Mean?


Sire calving ease and daughter calving ease are measures of how easily a calf can be born from a particular sire or his daughters. Sire calving ease is based on the ease of calving of his daughters, while daughter calving ease is based on the ease of calving of his granddaughters. A higher calving ease score indicates that the calves are more likely to be born easily and without complications.




Sire Stillbirth and Daughter Stillbirth: What Do They Indicate?


Sire stillbirth and daughter stillbirth are measures of the likelihood of stillbirth in calves sired by a particular bull or his daughters. A higher stillbirth rate indicates that the calves are more likely to be born dead or die shortly after birth. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, nutrition, and management practices.



Analyzing Calving Summary Data to Identify Stillbirth Trends in Your Herd


Analyzing calving summary data can help you identify trends and patterns that may indicate underlying issues in your herd. For example, if you notice a higher stillbirth rate in calves sired by a particular bull or his daughters, you may want to consider using a different bull or implementing management practices that can reduce the risk of stillbirth.



Strategies to Reduce Stillbirth in Your Dairy Herd


There are several strategies that you can implement to reduce stillbirth in your dairy herd. These include:

Importance of Genetic Selection in Reducing Stillbirth

 Genetic selection is an important tool in reducing stillbirth in your dairy herd. By selecting bulls with lower stillbirth rates and higher calving ease scores, you can increase the likelihood of easy, healthy births and reduce the risk of stillbirth.

Case Studies: How Farms Have Successfully Reduced Stillbirth Rates

 Several farms have successfully reduced stillbirth rates in their herds through a combination of management practices and genetic selection. For example, one farm implemented a culling program for cows that had experienced multiple stillbirths, while another focused on improving nutrition and reducing stress during the calving process.


The Role of Technology in Preventing Stillbirth


 New technologies, such as fetal monitoring devices and ultrasound, can help identify potential issues during pregnancy and reduce the risk of stillbirth. By monitoring the health and development of the fetus, you can intervene early if necessary and increase the likelihood of a successful birth.


Conclusion: Takeaways for Managing Stillbirth in Your Herd


 In conclusion, stillbirth is a common issue in dairy herds that can have a significant impact on the overall health and productivity of your farm. By understanding calving summary data, the meaning of sire and daughter calving ease and stillbirth, and implementing strategies to reduce stillbirth such as genetic selection and the use of technology, you can improve the health and well-being of your herd and increase your farm's profitability.



Decoding the HA Type Summary TPI: How BSC -1.39 and 0 D/0 H Affect Your Dairy Cattle's Dairy Form and Body Depth

 One crucial aspect of achieving this goal is understanding the Holstein Association Type (HA) Summary Total Performance Index (TPI), a tool that evaluates the genetic potential of dairy cattle. I will explain the HA Type Summary TPI and the significance of BSC, D/0 H, PTAT, UDC, and FLC in dairy form and body depth. I will also analyze the impact of BSC -1.39 and 0 D/0 H on dairy form and body depth and provide strategies for improving it through selective breeding. Additionally, I will discuss other genetic factors to consider and the role of the dairy cattle's environment in dairy form and body depth.


Understanding the HA Type Summary TPI in Dairy Cattle


 The HA Type Summary TPI is a comprehensive genetic evaluation system that predicts the potential performance of dairy cattle. It ranks animals based on their genetic traits, including milk production, health, and conformation. The TPI score is a combination of several traits, including body size, strength, udder quality, and fertility.

 The TPI score ranges from negative to positive values, with higher scores indicating better genetic potential. A score of 1000 is average, and scores above 1200 are considered excellent. The TPI score is updated every month, which enables farmers to track the progress of their herds.




The Importance of BSC, D/0 H, PTAT, UDC, and FLC in Dairy Form and Body Depth


 BSC, D/0 H, PTAT, UDC, and FLC are crucial traits in determining dairy form and body depth. Body size composite (BSC) is a measure of the animal's body size, and D/0 H reflects the animal's stature. PTAT is a conformation trait that evaluates the animal's frame, dairy strength, and rear legs. Udder composite (UDC) and foot and leg composite (FLC) determine the quality of the udder and feet and leg structure, respectively.

Body size composite, D/0 H, and PTAT affect the animal's stature, strength, body depth, and dairy form. Udder composite and foot and leg composite determine the animal's udder quality, soundness, and mobility, which are essential for optimal milk production.


Interpreting the HA Type Summary TPI Scores


 To interpret the HA Type Summary TPI scores, it's essential to understand the individual traits contributing to the score. For instance, a high PTAT score indicates that an animal has excellent conformation, which translates to better mobility, milk production, and longevity. A high UDC score indicates an animal with good udder quality, which results in optimal milk production. On the other hand, a negative BSC score indicates that the animal is smaller than average, while a negative D/0 H score reflects a shorter stature. A negative FLC score indicates poor foot and leg structure, which may affect the animal's mobility and longevity.






Analyzing the Impact of BSC -1.39 and 0 D/0 H on Dairy Form and Body Depth


 BSC -1.39 and 0 D/0 H affect the animal's dairy form and body depth. A negative BSC score indicates that the animal is smaller than average, which may result in shallow body depth and poor dairy form. A shorter stature, reflected in a negative D/0 H score, may also result in a shallow body depth and poor dairy form. To improve dairy form and body depth, farmers should select animals with positive BSC and D/0 H scores. An animal with a positive BSC score provides better body depth, which translates to better dairy form. A positive D/0 H score indicates a taller stature, which results in better body depth and dairy form.



Improving Dairy Form and Body Depth through Selective Breeding


 Selective breeding is an effective way to improve dairy form and body depth. Farmers should select animals with positive BSC and D/0 H scores and breed them with animals with similar traits. This process will increase the chance of producing offspring with positive BSC and D/0 H scores, resulting in better dairy form and body depth.

Additionally, farmers should consider other genetic factors, such as PTAT, UDC, and FLC, when selecting animals for breeding. These traits determine the animal's overall performance, including milk production, health, and longevity.


The Role of Dairy Cattle's Environment in Dairy Form and Body Depth


 Before we delve into the specifics of the HA Type Summary TPI, it's essential to understand the role of the environment in dairy form and body depth. A cow's genetics play a significant role in these traits, but environmental factors such as nutrition, housing, and management practices also influence them. For instance, if a cow is not fed a balanced diet, she may not develop the required body depth and may appear frail. Similarly, if a cow is housed in a cramped and uncomfortable environment, she may not develop the right stature and may appear short.

 Therefore, it's essential to provide our dairy cattle with a comfortable and conducive environment to ensure optimal dairy form and body depth. We should provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet, adequate space to move around, clean and comfortable bedding, and proper management practices such as regular health checks and vaccinations.


Strategies to Maintain Optimal Dairy Form and Body Depth in Dairy Cattle


Now that we understand the role of the environment let's look at strategies to maintain optimal dairy form and body depth in dairy cattle. The HA Type Summary TPI provides useful information on various traits that affect dairy form and body depth. One of these traits is body depth, which is essential in ensuring a cow's ability to carry a calf and produce milk. A cow with shallow body depth may not have enough space to carry a calf, resulting in calving difficulties and reduced milk production.



 To maintain optimal body depth, we should select cows with a high HA Type Summary TPI score for this trait. We should also provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their energy requirements, especially during the dry period and early lactation. This will help them develop the required body depth and carry a calf with ease.

 Another trait that affects dairy form and body depth is stature. A cow with the right stature will have the required height and length to carry a calf and produce milk. A cow with short stature may not have enough space to carry a calf, resulting in calving difficulties and reduced milk production.

 To maintain optimal stature, we should select cows with a high HA Type Summary TPI score for this trait. We should also provide them with adequate space to move around and stretch their legs, especially during the dry period and early lactation. This will help them develop the required height and length to carry a calf and produce milk.



The Future of Dairy Cattle Breeding and Genetics


 The dairy industry is continually evolving, and so is the breeding and genetics of dairy cattle. The HA Type Summary TPI is one of the tools that we use to improve the genetics of our dairy cattle. It provides us with useful information on various traits that affect dairy form and body depth, among others. With this information, we can select cows with high TPI scores for these traits and breed them to produce offspring with desirable traits.

 The future of dairy cattle breeding and genetics looks promising, with the advent of new technologies such as genomics and precision breeding. These technologies enable us to select cows with

 desirable traits more accurately and efficiently, resulting in faster genetic progress. However, we must use these technologies responsibly and ethically to ensure the welfare of our animals and the sustainability of our farms.



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