Holstein Association USA Updates Two Online Genetic Tools
Holstein Association USA announces the update of two online genetic tools at www.holsteinusa.com. These tools help dairy producers make better mating decisions by making use of more of the genomic information gained from the testing of their animals. Use of these services is free for Holstein breeders.
Genomic Inbreeding Calculator
Regular users of the Holstein USA web site are familiar with the Inbreeding Calculator, which allows breeders to predict the impact that inbreeding would have on potential matings being considered. Users may enter the registration number for one female and up to ten potential mates. The Inbreeding Calculator will then return the expected inbreeding percentage of the resulting offspring, comparing that value to breed average, and the economic impact inbreeding would have on offspring’s performance. The results display the Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for several traits that resulting offspring would have and also adjust those PTAs for inbreeding depression.
A new feature added to the Inbreeding Calculator is the ability to view genomic inbreeding levels for potential matings, compared to the pedigree inbreeding value that has been available. This tool takes into consideration the actual genomic data available for these animals and provides an inbreeding level based on that information. The genomic inbreeding value will automatically be provided alongside the pedigree inbreeding value when it is available. Potential mates are ranked in order by highest inbreeding-adjusted TPI®.
To access the Inbreeding Calculator, from the main menu, click on Pedigree Information and then select it in the dropdown menu.
Haplotype Information on the Family Tree
The Family Tree Search is another free tool offered on the Holstein web site that allows users to view up to five generations of lineage for an animal, including various identification information and note of any genetic codes recorded for animals in the Family Tree.
New to the Family Tree is the addition of haplotype codes recorded for an animal, and its sire and dam. Haplotypes are automatically analyzed and reported for any genomic-tested animal for the following conditions:
· HH0: Haplotype Associated with Brachyspina
· HH1: Holstein Haplotype Impacting Fertility 1
· HH2: Holstein Haplotype Impacting Fertility 2
· HH3: Holstein Haplotype Impacting Fertility 3
· HH4: Holstein Haplotype Impacting Fertility 4
· HH5: Holstein Haplotype Impacting Fertility 5
· HHB: Haplotype Associated with BLAD
· HHC: Haplotype Associated with CVM
· HHD: Haplotype Associated with DUMPS
· HHM: Haplotype Associated with Mulefoot
· HHP: Haplotype Associated with Polled
· HDR: Haplotype Associated with Dominant Red
· HRR: Haplotype Associated with Recessive Red
Most haplotypes have simple result reporting: “T” indicates the animal is tested free of that haplotype and “C” indicates the animal is a carrier of the haplotype. Dominant Red and Recessive Red have more possible genotypes, and keys for those conditions can be found by clicking on their label on the Family Tree. Haplotype results are not considered official; performing the actual gene test for a condition is required for labelling on pedigrees and other official Holstein performance products. It is also important to note that haplotype results are not 100 percent accurate in indicating whether or not an animal is a carrier or free of a condition. In the case where an animal has an actual gene test result and a haplotype result, the actual gene test result should always be considered official.
Haplotypes can be useful for identifying animals that are good candidates for further genetic testing. This information can also be used in conjunction with known genetic codes to trace different genetic conditions through the pedigree of an animal.
To access the Family Tree, users can search for an animal using the Animal Search function and click on the individual’s registration number on the results page, or from the main menu, click on Pedigree Information and then select Family Tree Search from the dropdown menu.