The CDCB and AGIL team has posted the December 2020 Changes to Evaluation System as one handy reference.
With the December 1, 2020, triannual evaluation, CDCB will launch two new traits: Feed Saved (FSAV) in Holsteins and Heifer Livability (HLIV) in Holsteins and Jerseys.
Genomic evaluations on 6 conformation traits
Six type traits that previously had only traditional PTAs will receive a genomic PTA effective in December. The breed-trait combinations and reasons are:
- Rear Udder Width (RUW) – Now published for all breeds using data available since 1976.
- Body Depth (BDE) – Traditionally only reported in Holstein, now published on Ayrshire and Guernsey also using data available since 1985.
- Feet / Leg Score (FLS) – Traditionally only reported in Holstein. The Brown Swiss definition of this trait (Mobility) will be reported under this naming convention in the genomic files, using data available since 2012.
- Milking Speed (MSP) -New trait, reported only for Brown Swiss using data collected since 2006.
- Rear Teat Placement (RTP) – Traditionally only reported in Holstein. The Jersey definition (Rear Teat Placement Rear View) will be reported under this naming convention in the genomic files, using data collected since 2008.
- Rear Teat Placement Side View (RTS) – New trait, reported only for Jersey using data since 2008.
In conjunction to the new publication of these genomic traits, the genomic processing was reorganized to share a common list of 21 type traits for all breeds, which has simplified management of type evaluations.
Additional December modifications
- Other updates detailed in the link include:Reports posting on release day timing update
- Updates in the inbreeding calculation procedure
- Breed code update for EFI and heterosis purposes in monthly genomic runs
- Update to blend weights in multi-breed evaluations for animals with phenotypic information
- BBR stability update
- Updates in the genetic correlations used in evaluations
