A Manual for Use of BESTPRED: A Program for Estimation of Lactation Yield and Persistency Using Best Prediction

Authors: Cole, John; Vanraden, Paul

Submitted to: Software and User Manual Public Release
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/7/2007
Publication Date: 12/7/2007
Citation: Cole, J.B., Van Raden, P.M. 2007. A manual for use of BESTPRED: A program for estimation of lactation yield and persistency using best prediction (Release 2.0 beta 6). Software and User Manual Public Release.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This manual describes how to obtain, install, and run a Fortran 90 program for calculating lactation yields and persistencies using best prediction methodology. Chapters also present the theory underlying best prediction, describe the methodology used to calculate covariances among pairs of days in milk for any combination of traits, and discuss implementation details important to anyone considering modifications to the programs. The purpose is to provide both background material and step-by-step instructions for successful use of the software.