Bogatova PS, Lihodeevskaya OE, Lihodeevskiy GA.
Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production. 2026. Vol. 109. No. 1. Р. 82-98.
doi: 10.33284/2658-3135-109-1-82
Review article
Structure and dynamics of leading selection indices in dairy cattle breeding
Polina S Bogatova1, Oksana E Lihodeevskaya2, Georgiy A Lihodeevskiy3
1,2,3Ural State Agrarian University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
1bogatova.p.s@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6584-2394
2lixodeevskaya@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5976-6030
3georglihodey@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2616-2166
Abstract. The article provides a comparative analysis of the structure and dynamics of leading dairy cattle selection indices of various countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia, Netherlands, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Australia). It examines the evolution of weight coefficients, the change from production to health, fertility, and sustainability traits, and the integration of genomic technologies (Single-Step). The results emphasize the orientation of the indices towards economic benefits and the direction of the latest changes towards balanced breeding, which may be considered in developing a Russian national index.
Keywords: selection indices, dairy cattle breeding, weight coefficients, selection, breeding value
Acknowledgments: the work was supported in accordance to the plan of research works for 2023-2025 of the Ural State Agrarian University (№ 124061300024-1).
For citation: Bogatova PS, Lihodeevskaya OE, Lihodeevskiy GA. Structure and dynamics of leading selection indices in dairy cattle breeding (review). Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production. 2026;109(1): 82-98. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.33284/2658-3135-109-1-82
References
- Ignatieva LP, Yanglyaeva AA. Using the selection index for estimation the lifelong productivity of simmental cows. Agrarian Science. 2024;6:62-67. https://doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2024-383-6-62-67
- Melnikova EE. Selection index of cow’s breeding values for milk production traits. Journal of Dairy and Beef Cattle Breeding. 2016;8:6-9.
- Nedashkovskiy IS, Konte AF, Sermyagin AA. Estimated breeding value on linear assessment of exterior depending on inbreeding coefficient and the level of homozygosity. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2023;01(230):55-65. doi: 10.32417/1997-4868-2023-230-01-55-65
- Rakhimov AM, Tleubaev AB, Satygul S Sh, Dmitrash VK, Saduov NS. New intergrated index of breeding value RZ€ and its application for dairy cattle in Germany: a review. Problems of Productive Animal Biology. 2021;3:32-41. doi: 25687/1996-6733.prodanimbiol.2021.3.32-41
- Dunin IM, Gerasimov AA, Nikitina SV, Matveeva EA. Estimation of breeding values of Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the Russian Federation according to the methodology of the Eurasian Economic Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production. 2024;107(3):36-46. doi: 10.33284/2658-3135-107-3-36
- Fedyaev PM, Lukyanov KI. Modern tendencies in index estimation of dairy cattle breeding value. Genetics and Breeding of Animals. 2016;4:11-19.
- Haynatsky VYu. BLUP Method of breeding assessment of beef sires. Animal Husbandry and Feed Production. 2021;104(1):20-30. doi: 10.33284/2658-3135-104-1-20
- [Internet]. Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14. Available from: https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/About%20AHDB/Reports%20and%20reviews/ARA2013-14.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) Factsheet. Available from: https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Dairy/Publications/Profitable%20Lifetime%20Factsheet_190121_WEB.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. Profitable Lifetime Index £PLI. Available from: https://breedingdairy.ahdb.org.uk/learn/traits-and-indexes/profitable-lifetime-index-pli/ (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- Alcantara LM, Baes CF, de Oliveira Junior GA, Schenkel FS. Conformation traits of Holstein cows and their association with a Canadian economic selection index. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 2022;102(3):490-500. doi: 10.1139/cjas-2022-0013
- Alemu SW, Lopdell TJ, Trevarton AJ, Snell RG, Littlejohn MD, Garrick DJ. Comparison of genomic prediction accuracies in dairy cattle lactation traits using five classes of functional variants versus generic SNP. Genetics Selection Evolution. 2025;57(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12711-025-00966-2
- Axford M, Santos B, Stachowicz K, Quinton C, Pryce JE, Amer P. Impact of a multiple-test strategy on breeding index development for the Australian dairy industry. Animal Production Science. 2021;61(18):1940-1950. doi: 10.1071/AN21058
- Byrne TJ, Santos BFS, Amer PR, Martin-Collado D, Pryce JE, Axford M. New breeding objectives and selection indices for the Australian dairy industry. Journal of Dairy Science. 2016;99(10):8146-8167. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10747
- [Internet]. Merit evaluation and selection index. Available from: https://uscdcb.com/merit-selection/ (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- Cole JB, VanRaden PM. Symposium review: Possibilities in an age of genomics: The future of selection indices. Journal of Dairy Science. 2018;101(4):3686-3701. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13335
- [Internet]. Cambios en la nueva escala del ICO, el índice genético para la raza frisona en España. Available from: https://www.conafe.com/Noticia/TabId/139/ArtMID/656/ArticleID/ 1105/Cambios-en-la-nueva-escala-del-ICO-el-237ndice-gen233tico-para-la-raza-frisona-en-Espa 241a. aspx#:~:text= Table_title: %20 Desviaciones%20Table_content:%20 header:%20% 7C%20Carac-teres%20%7C,Anchura%20de%20pecho%20%7C%20DT_jun%272023:%204.58%20%7C (cited 18 September 2025)
- [Internet]. Profitable Lifetime Index and Sire Selection. Available https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dard/pliand_sireselection.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- A pocket guide to ABVs: Australian Breeding Values. Melbourne: DataGene; 2022: 26 p. Available from: https://www.datagene.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ABVs-Pocket-Guide-2022-WEB-Version.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. El ICO y la mejora genética del ganado vacuno Holstein. Available from: https://educastur.es/ico-holstein (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- Emhimad A, Polman L, Rensing S, Liu Z, Alkhoder H, Reents R, Heise J. Breeding for feed efficiency in German Holsteins: the new RZFeedEfficiency. Interbull Bulletin. 2024;60:47-53.
- [Internet]. 6 Total Merit Indexes under EuroGenomics. Available from: https://www.eurogenomics.com/genomic-breeding-values/6-total-merit-indexes.html (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. More Genomic Breeding Values on the Dutch-Flemish scale. Available from: https://www.eurogenomics.com/genomic-breeding-values/look-at-ranki-ngs/about_gNVI.html (accessed 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. More Genomic Breeding Values on the German scale. Available from: https://www.eurogenomics.com/genomic-breeding-values/german-scale.html (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. More Genomic Breeding Values on the Spanish scale. Availeble from: https://www.eurogenomics.com/genomic-breeding-values/look-at-rankings/about-gICO.html (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- GGI-SPERMEX. [Internet]. News: Holstein breeding value estimation with state-of-the-art Single-Step method from April 2025. Available from: https://www.ggi-spermex.de/en/service/news:-holstein-breeding-value-estimation-with-state-of-the-art-single-step-method-from-april-2025-1753.html (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- González-Recio O, López-Paredes J, Ouatahar L, Charfeddine N, Ugarte E, Alenda R, Jiménez-Montero JA. Mitigation of greenhouse gases in dairy cattle via genetic selection: 2. Incorporating methane emissions into the breeding goal. J Dairy Sci. 2020;103(8):7210-7221. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17598
- Hazel LN. The genetic basis for constructing selection indexes. Genetics. 1943;28(6):476-490. doi: 10.1093/genetics/28.6.476
- Holstein Association USA. [Internet]. TPI Formula – April 2025 Available from: https://www.holsteinusa.com/genetic_evaluations/ss_tpi_formula.html (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- IDELE [Internet]. Note IBL 2022-4: Adaptation des formules ISU au contexte Single Step. 2022. Available from: https://idele.fr/detail-article/note-ibl-2022-4-adaptation-des-formules-isu-au-contexte-single-step (cited 12 Oct 2025).
- [Internet]. La race Prim’Holstein va intégrer la parenté dans l’ISU. Available from: https://idele.fr/detail-article/la-race-primholstein-va-integrer-la-parente-dans-lisu (cited 12 Oct 2025).
- Kargo M, Hjortø L, Toivonen M, Eriksson JA, Aamand GP, Pedersen J. Economic basis for the Nordic Total Merit index. Journal of Dairy Science. 2014;97(12):7879-7888. doi: 10.3168/jds.2013-7694
- [Internet]. Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) Formula – April 2025. Available from: https://lactanet.ca/en/lifetime-performance-index-lpi-formula (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- [Internet]. The Modernized LPI – Launching April 2025. Available from: https://lactanet.ca/en/the-modernized-lpi-launching-april-2025/ (cited 16 Sept 2025).
- Leclerc H, Lepers A, Baur A, Barbat A, Tribout T, Fritz S. A single-step genomic evaluation of claw health traits in French Holstein, Montbéliarde and Normande breeds. Interbull Bulletin. 2023;59:207-212.
- Liu Z, Alkhoder H, Polman L, Reents R, Heise J. Introduction of single-step genomic evaluations in German Holsteins. Interbull Bulletin. 2025;61:57-65.
- Martin-Collado D, Byrne TJ, Amer PR, Santos BFS, Axford M, Pryce JE. Analyzing the heterogeneity of farmers’ preferences for improvements in dairy cow traits using farmer typologies. Journal of Dairy Science. 2015;98(6):4148-4161. doi: 3168/jds.2014-9194
- Miglior F, Muir BL, Van Doormaal BJ. Selection indices in Holstein cattle of various countries. J Dairy Sci. 2005;88(3):1255-12 doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72792-2
- Montbéliarde Association. [Internet] Selection goals. Available from: https://www.montbeliarde.org/assets/files/Publications/fiches-techniques/Version_anglaise.pdf (cited 12 Oct 2025).
- Newton JE, Axford MM, Ho PN, Pryce JE. Demonstrating the value of herd improvement in the Australian dairy industry. Animal Production Science. 2021;61(3):220. doi: 10.1071/AN20168
- Nguyen TTT, Richardson CM, Post M, Amer PR, Nieuwhof GJ, Thurn P, Shaffer M. The sustainability index: a new tool to breed for reduced greenhouse-gas emissions intensity in Australian dairy cattle. Animal Production Science. 2023;63(11):1126-1135. doi:10.1071/AN23026
- Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation. [Internet]. Nordic Total Merit Index (NTM) – history and development. Available from: https://www.nordicebv.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Nordic-Total-Merit-Index-NTM-history-and-development.pdf (cited 10 Oct 2025).
- Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation. [Internet]. NTM – weight factors (4.2/2025). Available from: https://nordicebv.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NTM-–-weight-factors_04022025.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- Obari C. Estimating genetic and genomic relationships to monitor genetic diversity in the Canadian Holstein population. Canada, Ontario, Guelph: University of Guelph; 2024: 75 p.
- Petrov AF, Bogdanova OV, Narozhnykh KN, Kamaldinov EV, Shatokhin KS, Gart VV, Kulikova SG, Zhigulin TA. Clustering of countries based on dairy productivity characteristics of Holstein cattle for breeding material selection. Vet World. 2024;17(5):1108-1118. doi: 14202/vetworld.2024.1108-1118
- Pryce J, Simm G, Coffey M, Stott A. Returns from genetic improvement on indices that include production, longevity, mastitis and fertility in UK circumstances. Interbull Bulletin. 1999;23:55.
- Rensing S, Kipp S, Alkhoder H. RZ€-the new German total merit index expressing breeding impact in Euro. ICAR Technical Series. 2021;25:63-68.
- Rensing S, Pasman E, Reinhardt F, Feddersen F. New total merit index RZG for Holsteins in Germany with more emphasis on herd life. Interbull Bulletin. 2002;29:147
- Sørensen LP, Pedersen J, Kargo M, Nielsen US, Fikse, F, Eriksson JÅ, Aamand GP. Review of Nordic total merit index full report November 2018. Aarhus, Denmark: Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation; 2018:93 p.
- Stoop M, Schrooten C, Vermeer I, de Jong G. Validation and implementation of new genomic traits in The Netherlands: lactose, urea, calf survival, ketosis, conception rate, heifer fertility, and AMS traits. Interbull Bulletin. 2015;49.
- Van Doormaal BJ, Jaton C, Sweett H, Sullivan PG, Fleming A, Miglior F, et al. Modernizing Canada’s Lifetime Performance Index (LPI). Interbull Bulletin. 2025;61.
- Van Doormaal BJ, Kistemaker GJ, Beavers L, Sullivan PG. Pro $: A new profit-based genetic selection index in Canada. Interbull Bulletin. 2015;49:103-110.
- Vanderick S, Wijnrocx K, Vandenplas J, Gillon A, Gengler N. Implementation of a Single-Step genomic evaluation system for dairy cattle in Wallonia, Belgium. Interbull Bulletin. 2025;61:48-56.
- VanRaden PM, Cole JB, Neupane M, et al. Net merit as a measure of lifetime profit: 2021 revision. USDA – ARR NM$9. 2021. [Internet] Available from: https://uscdcb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nmcalc-2025_ARR-NM9_without-type_composites.pdf (cited 17 Sept 2025).
- VanRaden PM. Selection of dairy cattle for lifetime profit. Proceedings 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, August 19-23, 2002, Montpellier, France. 2002;29:127-130.
- Wrzecińska M, Czerniawska-Piątkowska E, Mylostyvyi R, Chernenko О, Araújo JP, Kowalczyk A, Rzewucka-Wójcik E. Selection indexes in terms of functional features in modern dairy cattle breeding in Europe. The Journal of Agricultural Science. 2024;162(3):260-267. doi: 10.1017/S0021859624000388
Information about the authors:
Polina S Bogatova, Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Molecular and Biological Research, Ural State Agrarian University, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Karla Libknekhta St., 42, 620000, tel.: +7-900-21-46-906.
Oksana E Lihodeevskaya, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory of Molecular and Biological Research, Ural State Agrarian University, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Karla Libknekhta St., 42, 620000, tel.: +7-908-63-22-658.
Georgiy A Lihodeevskiy, Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Molecular and Biological Research, Ural State Agrarian University, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Karla Libknekhta St., 42, 620000, tel.: +7-999-55-93-188.
The article was submitted 16.12.2025; approved after reviewing 20.02.2026; accepted for publication 16.03.2026.
Download