For selection and mating in the nucleus of a dairy cattle breeding program the method of optimal contributions is developed (see chapter 9.11.1). It outweighs the breeding value of the sires and dams with the relatedness of the sires and dams with the average values in the nucleus. For each individual, the programs gives the number of matings that should be performed. The mating partners are paired according to their mutual relationship aiming at a low relationship between the animals of each pair. Outside the nucleus sires and dams are combined in a sire mating advice program. This program aims at compensatory matings: weak traits in the breeding value of the dam are compensated by strong traits in the breeding value of the sire.
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