Production Index - Holsteins

[Princess Pooper]

How is a production index calculated? (not PLI or PIN) The context is some pedigree Holsteins that have come back with a Superior Production Award from Holstein UK - first time we have had some. The HUK website tells us that eligibility for a SP Award is either kg of f & p (700 for a heifer, 800 for a cow) or a Production Index of 115+ . Both of ours were awarded for the latter. The cows aren't anything special, in our view, and for both it is linked to a much earlier lactation.

 

[upnortheast]

The production index is calculated within your herd, I believe.
So a PI of 100 will be average for your herd.
Actual calc I can not remember

 

[Princess Pooper]

The production index is calculated within your herd, I believe.
So a PI of 100 will be average for your herd.
Actual calc I can not remember

Thanks, you're right - found this bit on HUK website after some searching too.

"Production Index, indicated on milk records, which is in fact not a genetic index, but an indicator of a female's actual performance (based on weight of fat and protein) in any lactation within a herd. This is adjusted to a heifer equivalent and corrected for age and season of calving. The average Production Index of any herd is always 100. This is often a useful method to determine prospective replacement breeders within any system. "

Just a bit weird that these Awards have come through for first lactation on one female and second lactation on another when they are now in their fourth lactation (and one is on the cull list). Perhaps they leave it until 4th lactation to only award animals that have a minimum longevity? ??? Anyone??

 

[Rossymons]

They're awarded - or perhaps they should have been - as soon after the qualifying lactation. That this has taken so long to filter down to you is probably a clerical error.

How do you record with?

 

[hardup]

HUK have just made them automatic and you need to opt out to stop them charging you a pound for the privilage.