Economic values in dairy cattle breeding, with special reference to functional traits. Report of an EAAP-working group

Abstract The aims of this working group report are: (a) to present the definition of a set of breeding goal traits, (b) to discuss the methodology in deriving economic values, (c) to present a summary of literature on economic values of functional traits, (d) to discuss a possible justification of differences in breeding goal definition for countries, regions, and/or individual farms, and (e) to discuss possible future trends potentially influencing breeding goals by changing economic values. A genetically and socio-economically balanced selection on production (milk and beef) and functional traits (health, fertility, efficiency of feed utilisation and milkability) in dairy cattle requires correct economic values. The derivation of economic values requires a good theoretical basis, proper methodology in terms of models including physiological modelling of animal production, farm economics and social aspects, and appropriate assumptions on future production circumstances. Breeding goal definition is a research area of ongoing interest; knowledge on modelling is improving, and (uncertain future) production circumstances are continuously changing. Although research has been undertaken for a long period, the practical integration of functional traits in dairy cattle breeding goals is still a major challenge for animal breeders. The working group considers the inclusion of social aspects in deriving economic values for functional traits to be a major challenge for animal breeders in the near future.

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