Application of the BLUP Animal Model for evaluation of the breeding value of the cows of the Ayrshire breed of the Leningrad Region
Major aim of the research studies was practicing and adaptation of BLUP Animal Mode (Repeatability Model Variant) utilization for evaluation of population's genetic parameters, predicting breeding values and estimation of environmental effects simultaneously, by common model. Results of using method BLUP Animal Model for breeding value evaluation in Ayrshire breed from Leningrad region are shown. The experience of using the statistical model estimating bulls and cows using the BLUP method is considered and suggested. Due to the wide spread of genomic selection in countries with developed dairy cattle breeding and use of genetically evaluated bulls in the improvement of the national dairy cattle population, importance of switching to the breeding value evaluation of animals using BLUP method is noted. This approach increases the rate of selection progress and allows to obtain the effect much earlier with little or no increase in costs, unlike traditional methods of breeding. Research scientists of the RRIFAGB carried out work on the evaluation of the cows of the Ayrshire breed, using BLUP Animal Model. For the study, data were selected in the pedigree animals born in 1976 - 2014, as well as productivity records from cows born in 2000 - 2012. Comprehensive data processing and statistical evaluation were carried out. Breeding value of the Ayrshire breed cows from 11 farms placed in Leningrad Region is calculated. It is explored that cows, born from 2002 to 2012, average genetic trend for 10 years was +22 kg, the highest (2006-2007) - + 80kg. Genetic trend was constructed for cows based on the calculated breeding value of Ayrshire breed animals from Leningrad Region.