The second NAV routine evaluation this year took place as scheduled. The NAV Bull Search has been updated with the new EBV’s and GEBV’s. NAV Beef Search is also updated with new beef x dairy breeding values.
In this evaluation single step method was introduced for yield traits and it replaces the so called two step method. Single step uses all information from genotyped and non-genotyped animals simultaneously. The introduction of single step method has caused changes to the yield index. In general, the changes are small but for some animals the changes are more significant. Because yield has the highest weight in NTM, changes in yield index has a large affect on NTM.
In this evaluation NAV introduces the first methane index. It is calculated for Holstein bulls born after 2008 and they need to be genomic tested in the Nordic system and has paid the Nordic fee or has official NTM and minimum of 10 daughters with methane observations. The results can be found on the NAV homepage.
Read more about the changes in: