In the Norwegian EBVs, the Total Merit Index (TMI) will show a high score for bulls that excel in production, fertility, health, and udder conformation. It also underlines excellent results in functional traits such as calving ease, livability, and claw health.
The score also suggests excellent genetics that helps improve farmers' profitability with good health and low use of antibiotics. The medium-sized cow also offers excellent feed efficiency.
The Norwegian Red breeding goal
TMI (Total Merit Index) is used to identify the best Norwegian Red bulls to become elite sires for use throughout Norway.
14 traits and indexes are grouped into an index called TMI, with production, udder conformation and fertility indexes receiving the highest relative weights within the TMI. The relative weights in the current TMI give optimal genetic response for all important traits in the Norwegian Red breeding goal.
| Trait | Weight (%) |
| Production Index | 23 |
| Udder Conformation Index | 28 |
| Udder Health Index | 8 |
| Fertility Index | 11 |
| Beef Index | 7 |
| Claw Health Index | 4 |
| Feet and Legs Conformation Index | 6 |
| Body Conformation Index | 2 |
| Calving Traits, Milking Speed, Other Diseases, Temperament and Liveweight (Total for all) | 5 |
| Polled and Undesirable Recessive Genes | 8 |
