Genetic foundation for a sustainable herd
Setting a specific genetic foundation for a productive herd, by reducing mis-parentage, optimizing culling rate, and improving milk production and protein contents.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
In collaboration with Neogen
Why does it matter?
Milk production is a partially inherited trait. Poor matching between cows and sires results in less healthy and less productive cows, which results in increasing costs overtime. Implementing tailored breeding strategies improves control over specific genetic traits.
How did we solve this?
Genetic testing on characteristics of the herd (e.g. milk and fat protein, polled carriers etc.) allows for implementation of a specific breeding and reproduction strategy. Annual sampling of new animals also enables better monitoring of the herd and implementation of breeding plans.
The farm sampled all heifers, new-born females and first lactation cows to identify their genetic conditions. This enabled implementing a Dairy Dashboard, with tailored strategic breeding plans. The best performing cows (top 40%) were inseminated with female sexed semen and the lowest performers were inseminated with male sexed semen. After 4 years of implementation, misidentification declined from 28% to 0%. The production level of solids per cow also improved to a rate of 2,5kg/day.
Opportunities for other farms?
Efficient breeding strategies can be implemented on all farms. It helps to valorise the animal value of dairy heifers or beef cattle and provides greater insights on poll breeds or genetically inherited diseases.
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