Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory services

Genetic evaluations || Data exchange || Documentation || Software

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Genetic evaluations (PTA)

Genetic evaluations are calculated 3 times per year for dairy cattle (January, April, and August). Evaluations for dairy goats are calculated semiannually for yield (July and November) and annually for type (November). Evaluations are available in ASCII format files, which may be downloaded, or through a public online query system. Summary reports are also updated triannually.

Data exchange

Information about the system for data exchange includes file format descriptions, instructions for use, schedules/deadlines, and animal identification information. An online query system is available to support data checking and to provide required animal information to industry cooperators (access requires industry log-in).

Documentation

Documentation of the evaluation system for each trait is available. Changes to the system are also documented. Links to additional information sources are provided.

Software

• BESTPRED, a set of programs for best prediction of lactation yields.
• MTDFREML, a set of programs for estimation of genetic (co)variances using multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood.
• MTGSAM, a multiple-trait Gibbs sampler for animal models.