Selection of dairy cattle for growth rate and milk production

Abstract

The genetic progress in live-weight-for-age (LFA), milk production, and in overall economic value expected as a result of performance and progeny testing of young bulls with respect to milk production and LFA was computed. It was shown that performance testing can contribute considerably to overall progress in economic value, while under certain circumstances progeny testing for LFA can also contribute to genetic progress in overall economic value, but to a lesser degree than performance testing. The relative economic value of LFA and milk production was derived and found to be relatively stable under differing economic conditions.