Selection for resistance to hoof disorders in dairy cattle populations in the Nordic countries

Due to the accurate keeping of both zootechnical and veterinary records in a common database, a huge body of information on animal health accumulated over several decades has allowed for local populations of all dairy breeds to become by now the absolute leaders in terms of the genetic indicators of cows’ health. Calculated on the basis of unique information on the first three lactations of the cows, a new hoof health index which appeared within the NTM system for the first time in the world, describes the genetic resistance of the daughters of the bulls to 10 hoof disorders. In the countries of VikingGenetics, information on the state of hooves of 400,000 cows is collected each year, which is almost half of the total dairy population. Analysis of the data since the indices were introduced into the overall NTM evaluation shows that the gradual increase in the genetic level of hoof health in the population occurs simultaneously with a significant increase in productivity. So, selection by this important concept is not due to a decrease in productivity, but it is carried out together with its increase. In calculating indices the degree of heritability shall be considered as resistance to hoof disorders is low, which hampers rapid genetic progress and requires evaluation of large groups of animals. Within the NTM index system, for example, the correlation of the hoof health index with the productive longevity index - +0.38, with the fertility index - +0.23 and with the udder health index - +0.11 has positive relation. Thus, genetic improvement of hoof health provides a simultaneous overall increase in the value of the animal taking into account other economically important features. According to the NTM system the hoof health index is currently not only the most reliable and complete, but also the only one in the world for red dairy and Jersey breeds.

NTM, index selection, Ayrshire breed, hoof health, resistance to disorders, NTM, genetic potential, heritability, correlation

1. http://www.vikinggenetics.com/hoofhealth

2. http://www.nordicebv.info/

3. https://nordic.mloy.fi/NAVBull/

4. Chad Dechow Lameness and fitness traits garner greater attention Reprinted by permission from the February 25, 2017, issue of Hoard’s Dairyman, Copyright 2017 by W.D. Hoard & Sons Company, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.