Genetic analysis of an artificial insemination progeny test program.

The success of the progeny test (PT) program from one Spanish artificial insemination (AI) organization was evaluated. The annual genetic trend for the organization was compared with PT programs from other countries. The relationships among parents' estimated breeding values (EBV) and PT results for sons were also studied. Estimated breeding values for type and production traits were obtained from international genetic evaluations from February 2004. The annual genetic gain of the Spanish PT program was similar to that of other international programs. The Spanish AI organization graduated 13% of its sampled bulls, and 52% of primiparous cows were daughters of Spanish bulls (32% from proven bulls and 20% from sampling bulls). Correlations between EBV for PT bulls and their pedigree indices (0.52 to 0.70) were slightly lower than correlations between EBV for PT bulls and their parent averages (0.63 to 0.73). Both young and mature cows contributed to genetic progress. Success of PT bulls (defined by number of second-crop daughters) depended mainly on their EBV for final score, protein yield, and the type-production index. Significant correlations of sire EBV were found for final score and type-production index with the number of second-crop daughters (0.22 and 0.17). Likewise, significant correlations of dam EBV for final score and type-production index with the number of second crop daughters were found (0.25 and 0.18). Final score and protein yield were the main factors in success of a PT bull. The type-production index for PT bulls was not important for success unless it was 2.5 standard deviations above average. The PT bulls with low EBV for type-production index were used as proven bulls when they had higher EBV either for protein or final score.