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S284: Genetic Enhancement of Health and Survival for Dairy Cattle

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [06/08/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 06/08/2003

Report Information:

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/20/02 to 10/21/02

Period the Report Covers: 10/1997 to 09/2002

Participants:

• Cooperating Stations and Agencies for 2002 Participating stations Representative Illinois R. D. Shanks Indiana M. M. Schutz Iowa P. J. Berger Maryland (USDA-ARS) P. M. Van Raden, R. A. Powell, G. R. Wiggans Minnesota L. B. Hansen Nebraska J. F. Keown New York R. W. Blake, P. A. Oltenacu North Carolina B. T. McDaniel Tennessee G.W. Rogers Virginia B. G. Cassell Wisconsin G. E. Shook, K. A. Weigel Administrative advisors N. M. Cox CSREES Representative Richard Frahm

URL: Copy of participant list

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

URL: Copy of minutes

Accomplishments:

Accomplishments and Impacts: Regional project S 284 has been highly productive. Most of the goals of the project have been met and many of the findings have been implemented by the dairy cattle breeding industry. Results from this project will help to reduce undesirable responses in health and survival in dairy cattle from selection for increased milk yield.

Enhancements to genetic evaluations for somatic cell score, productive life, and net merit have been made through the project. In addition, industry acceptance of the new approach to making selection decisions has been exceptional. Selection for health traits and improved survival is now a priority in the US.

Impact Statements:

2. New genetic evaluations for pregnancy rate will allow the dairy industry to select for improved reproductive performance and this improvement will save the dairy industry millions of dollars each year in the future.
3. The US dairy industry can now select for cows that have less calving difficulty which will save the dairy industry millions of dollars and improve the welfare of dairy cows
4. Selection for reduced dairy form and increased body condition will improve the welfare of dairy cattl
5. e and reduce health and reproductive costs.
6. Improvements in the genetic evaluation of productive life will increase longevity of dairy cattle and reduce the cost of producing milk in the US

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