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Technical Report Denmark Beef cattle breeding in Denmark For beef cattle sires estimates of breeding values for daily gain, area of the L.D. and feed conversion efficiency are published following performance testing. Estimates of breeding values for all animals are calulated two times a year. The results include on-farm registrations of calvings and weights, performance test results, conformation scores as well as results obtained at the slaughterhouses. Performance test Testing scheme Bulls are tested in the age interval from 8 to 13 months. They are fed a complete ad-lib diet, weighed every four weeks, and their feed consumption is recorded throughout the period. At the age of 10, 11 and 12 months the area of the L.D. is measured by means of ultrasound. Daily gain and feed conversion efficiency is calculated in the test period.. Calculation method The T-index, U-index and the index for feed conversion efficiency (FEF-index) are calculated by means of a BLUP single trait Animal Model. The dependent variables of the models are:
The fixed effects regarding weight at 8 months of age, body gain in test period and feed conversion efficiency are:
The random effects are:
Fixed effects The fixed effects are included as classes except for weight which is a regression. Random effects The basic parameters are shown in table 1. Table 1. Heritability of traits
Genetic base The breed averages for growth capacity and muscle area are based on all bulls having completed their performance test within the last 24 months. Standard deviation
Publication Official T-, U- and FEF-indices are calculated once a week and the results are sent to the owners of the individual animals. Once a year the main performance test results as well as the individual test results are published in the report "Årsstatistik Avl, Sektion for Avlssystemer. Estimation of breeding values In beef cattle 6 standardized breeding values and a total merit index are published for all animals. A survey of the total system is shown in the figure . Traits included in the calculation of breeding values
Data Data included in the estimation of breeding values:
Calculation method An Animal Model is used to estimate all breeding values of all traits recorded for purebred beef cattle. A modified version of the Animal Model is used for the traits recorded on dairy crosses. All dairy crosses are considered repeated observations of the sire and the genetic parameters are modified accordingly. The estimates are calculated separately for 6 different breed groups and for 5 different groups of traits. The breed groups are:
Table 2 lists the groups of traits. All groups of traits that include more than one trait are evaluated by means of a multi-trait model. Table 2 also shows the fixed and random effects (except residuals) that are included in the models. Fixed effects
Random effects
Only very few genetic parameters have been estimated on Danish beef cattle records. The genetic parameters of the models used to estimate breeding values are partly based on analyses of other beef cattle populations. The genetic parameters were assumed to be identical for all breeds. The genetic parameters are listed in table 3-8. Sub-indices and total merit index The estimates of breeding values are summarized into 7 sub-indices, 2 indices where related indices are grouped and a total merit index as shown in figure 3. The indices are calculated using the economic weights listed in table 9. Standard deviation The sub-indices and the total merit index are standardized to an average of 100 and a standard deviation of 5 for all animals belonging to the base. Base A rolling base is used. The base includes all animals born 3-7 years before the publication year. Publication The breeding values are calculated twice a year (May and November) and are published on the homepage of The Danish Agricultural Advisory Centre (www.lr.dk) at www.lr.dk/kvaeg/diverse/avlsværditalkoedkv.htm. Table 2. Fixed and random effects in the Animal Model for estimation of breeding values
Table 3. Genetic parameters of reproduction traits, heritabilities on the diagonal, genetic correlations above the diagonal
Table 4. Genetic parameters of production traits, heritabilities on the diagonal, genetic correlations above the diagonal
Table 5. Parameters for permanent environment (production traits) permanent environmental variation related to total variation on the diagonal, correlations above the diagonal
Table 6. Genetic parameters of carcass traits, heritabilities on the diagonal, genetic correlations above the diagonal and environmental correlations below the diagonal
Table 7. Environmental correlations between reproduction traits
Table 8. Parameters for environment (production traits). Environmental variations related to total variation on the diagonal, correlations above the diagonal
Table 9. Relative (economic) weights used to calculate of the total merit index (June 1999)
Breeding programme for Limousine in Denmark Purpose The objective of the breeding programme is to obtain the greatest possible breeding improvement for Danish Limousine by ensuring that the parent livestock of the next generation of breeding animals are the genetically superior ones. It is crucial that it is only the best individuals, which are used as breeding stock. Breeding progress can only be obtained by selecting and using the genetically superior individuals. The main objective of the breeding programme for Limousine is to produce the greatest amount of quality meat by applying the least feed, labour and capital. In order to achieve this one must have hardy animals (low feed consumption), which at the same time must be productive as to body weight gain and muscling (meat), and have high fertility qualities. Qualities to be improved In order to obtain the main breeding goal one must consider the qualities of both cows and bulls. In this way good mother qualities (milk producing capacity, easy calvings) and good meat production qualities are combined.
Development of Danish Limousine, 1980 - 2001
Limousine in progress
Marketing and sale of Limousine beef and veal Some years ago an initiative was taken to promote the marketing and sale of Limousine beef and veal in Denmark. The purpose was: * to promote the marketing of Limousine beef on the Danish market where quality and the thrill of good beef satisfy the consumers’ expectations * to promote Limousine beef produced in harmony with nature * to promote the production of Limousine beef in beautiful surroundings * to spread knowledge about the Limousines as nature conservationists and as highly refined veal and beef * to obtain a higher price to the beef producer who makes an extra effort to produce Limousine in harmony with nature * to establish a controlled Limousine beef production line from producer to consumer Since this initiative was taken, it has turned out an ever-increasing success. The producers who have entered into the agreement and accepted the concept can get an additional price per kg carcass of DKK 3.00 - 6.00 above the normal quotation. In recent years the Danish consumers have got more interested in food quality than in prices. Simultaneously, the consumers are focussing more on animal welfare - that is the conditions under which the cattle have been reared. More and more consumers are willing to pay a higher price for high-quality beef which is produced in harmony with nature. Anton Birk Jensen | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
