Selection Basis Inapplicable for Sire for Milk Production

Correct Answer: Performance of Individual

From the notes: Performance of Individual (individual selection) CANNOT be used to select a sire for milk production because milk production is a sex-limited trait — males never express it.

What Can Be Used for Sire Selection for Milk Yield

• Ancestors (Pedigree): Dam's and grandam's milk records
• Collateral relatives: Performance of sisters (full-sibs or half-sibs)
• Progeny testing: Daughters' milk records — BEST method ✔

Sire Evaluation Methods (from notes)

• Most recent and best: BLUP
• Contemporary comparison index
• Sire index

Key Fact

The sire contributes half the genes to all his offspring ('Sire = half of the herd') — therefore accurate sire selection has a major impact on herd improvement. A proven bull through BLUP-based progeny testing can dramatically accelerate genetic progress.