Survey on the recording and use of functional traits in dairy management and breeding

An important component in sustainability of dairy production is the functionality of the cows. With the substantial progress in the production traits achieved in dairy breeding, health and fertility have become important determinants of profitable milk production. Breeding goals and programs are reflecting this worldwide shift towards functionality. Standardization initiatives in this field are needed, but challenging with regard to trait definitions, recording practices and data analyses. Efficient work of the ICAR working group for recording, evaluation and genetic improvement of functional traits requires intense international and interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. An overview over past, current and future activities of different countries to improve functionality of the dairy cow is supposed to indicate the major tasks of the WG.Besides indicator traits like somatic cell score for mastitis, direct measures of health and disease will provide valuable information for genetic evaluations. Further traits may be identified and used as tools to improve the functionality of the dairy cow. Guidelines for such new traits have to account for the different and novel sources of information and the parties involved in data recording. Furthermore, technical developments need to be regularly reviewed for options to facilitate collection of for example health data in a broad and reliable manner. A network of experts is required to support the Functional Traits Working Group in compiling and updating the guidelines and identifying the needs for exchange of information and experiences and this way meet the demands of future dairy management and breeding. Approaches to collect and analyze information on functional traits in dairy cattle will be presented and discussed in the context of international needs and expectations, providing an outline for the future activities of the
Functional Traits Working Group.