NTM a powerful tool for dairy farmers NTM is the most complete breeding index around the world Includes all traits of economic importance More than 90 sub-traits combined into 15 main traits Based on valuable and unique registrations collected into the same database How to read NTM and breeding values for traits in NTM 34.1% 34.1% • Estimated breeding values are calculated by the independent scientific breeding institute NAV (Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation) • Rolling base, cows 3-5 years old (for each genetic evaluation use a new group of cows) • Average 0 for NTM, average 100 for single traits and combined indices • Standard deviation 10 units 13.6% 0,1% 2.1% NTM -30 -20 -10 Index 70 80 90 AVERAGE GOOD SUPER SUPERIOR NTM=0 EBV=100 NTM>+10 EBV>110 NTM>+20 EBV >120 NTM>+30 EBV>130 13.6% 2.1% 0,1% 0 +10 +20 +30 100 110 120 130 Bulls with NTM over +20 and breeding values over 120 represent the top 2.5% of the breed. Weights on health, production and conformation in NTM The weights in NTM are set to establish genetic progress for all the economically important traits, the weights differ slightly between breeds, but in common is a high focus on health traits. An increasing weight on health traits in NTM over the years is a big success due to greater awareness of cost in dairy production. Dairymen manage to have less cost per kg for produced milk and healthy cows will not take more attention than necessary and give the highest profit. NTM HEALTH REPRODUCTION PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY CONFORMATION WORKABILITY 45% TRAITS INCLUDED Udder health Daughter fertility Hoof health General health Calving (direct & maternal) Young stock survival Longevity 40% TRAITS INCLUDED Production index *Milk kg *Protein kg *Fat kg Growth Saved Feed 15% TRAITS INCLUDED Udder conformation Feet & legs Milkability Temperament
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