The use of pedigree estimates of genetic merit to predict progeny performance of Holstein Friesian bulls tested in the UK

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, dairy breeding in the United Kingdom has switched from British Friesian to the North American type Holstein. Many of the bulls entering progeny testing in the UK in that period were sourced from overseas bull mothers, especially from the US. The aim of this study was to compare current predictions of the genetic merit of those bulls, using pedigree information, with the performance of their UK daughters.