Abstract

Recording schemes designed to provide genetic evaluations at the individual animal level contain basic pedigree and production records fundamental to genetic research. Accessibility, accuracy and consistency of their information and the flexibility of their database design to incorporate new indicator traits with prospects of providing a more accurate or more cost-effective identification of animals able to leave superior progeny influence their value to research. Much research is also likely to benefit from inclusion or access to industry data on animal products and their processing performance beyond the farm gate. Industry-wide evaluations of animals in different flocks can also identify useful contrasting animals for this research as well as for commercial exploitation. Examples of research using industry data from recording schemes are presented to demonstrate these features. They include estimates of non-genetic influences on animal performance, on methods of adjusting for their effects, estimates of phenotypic and genetic parameters, of genetic group and gene effects, of the effects of selection and culling and their impact on selection and crossbreeding strategies. Research embracing new molecular technologies is also discussed. Research of this sort can have high extension impact, especially that geared to early incorporation of results into the animal evaluation procedures of the scheme itself.

JN, Clarke, and DJ Garrick

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 60, Hamilton, 198-202, 2000