EHRC has been instrumental in standardising pedigree codes, which are used by all major Holstein Associations. This section provides examples of pedigree certificates from different countries, within some cases explanations of the layout and meaning of the information contained.
Pedigree certificates, whether in electronic or paper format, are key information providers to the animal and its ancestry’s displaying all the individual animals important breeding components on production, conformation, genetic performance (index) and parentage. The value of validated pedigree information is becoming increasingly important as Holstein breeders throughout the world use sophisticated computer programs in deciding breeding and management policy. Pedigree information provides information to address and overcome such important issues such as inbreeding, identifying pedigree lineage with a genetic, production or conformation weakness.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/602
The new Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/602 of April 2020 amends Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/717 as regards the model forms of zootechnical certificates for breeding animals and their germinal products.
The EHRC Committee recommend the Sires breed is printed on the ZC at section 14, preferably 14.2.4 behind the name of the sire.
A presentation may be viewed here together with an example of a ZC with the sire breed here.
2018 New EU Legislation
On 1st November 2018 the new Animal Breeding Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 came into force along with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/717. Amongst other things, this regulation lays down the rules with regard to the model forms of the zootechnical certificates for breeding animals and their germinal products.
The EU model form has been set up in a portrait format and contains only that information that the EU deems to be necessary for trade. The certificate also covers horses, goats, sheep, etc. These species have less data than cattle and that is why the Commission proposed the portrait model. In the cattle section, we normally print much more information on our pedigrees as a service for the members and clients. However, the portrait model is decided and published.
The EHRC Committee have proposed a double-sided model:
– Front side: EU model in portrait with the information needed (see (EU) 2017/717).
– Reverse side: National pedigree in the landscape with the country branding, animal performance and genetic evaluation information.
Zootechnical Certificate examples
Based on EU-Regulation 2020/602
- Czech Republic- animal
- Czech Republic – semen export
- Germany
- Netherlands – animal
- Netherlands – semen export
- Spain – animal (sp)
- Spain – semen export (en)
Based on EU-Regulation 2017/717