About 125 of these bull calves are selected as test sires and progeny tested based on 200-300 daughters each. Of these, 10-12 are selected as elite sires based on their total merit index and average relationship with the population.
Norwegian Red 10553 Nordbo-daughter. Photo: Elly Geverink
Genetic evaluation
Genetic evaluation of NRF sires are based on information from 200-300 daughters per sire. Large progeny groups are necessary to obtain reliable breeding values for traits with low heritability, like health and fertility.
All data used for genetic evaluation comes from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System, where all information, including health records and insemination reports, are stored in one national database.
All cows in Norway have individual health cards, where information on all veterinary treatments is recorded. The health card system is an integrated part of the milk recording system and this information is used for genetic evaluation of sires.
The progeny test of NRF sires includes genetic evaluation for 40 different traits. Breeding values for traits in the breeding objective are given weights to form a total merit index, which is used for sire selection.
Genetic evaluations for all traits are published in the Geno Sire Catalog.
For detailed information about the genetic evaluation system, see National GES information, where you will find a description of national genetic evaluation for dairy cattle in Norway.
Norwegian Red dairy cows
More than 95% of the dairy cows in Norway are Norwegian Red. The population consists of approximately. 230,000 cows, of which 98% participate in the Norwegian Herd Recording System.
All herds participating in the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System are active in the breeding program, and the best cows in these herds are elite cows and potential bull dams.
About 90% of calves born in Norway are sired by NRF AI sires; 40% by test sires and 60% by elite sires.
Tailored breeding plans
Technicians and veterinarians are trained and contracted to Geno to provide insemination and fertility services to farmers throughout Norway. Each herd is incorporated into Geno’s breeding program and tailored breeding plans are set up by certified advisers. Farmers in turn report data on production, fertility and health traits back to Geno through the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System.