We like to delve into different genomic selection trends and researches, and as of now we want to share a short news reviews about new findings, events and interesting trends in livestock genomic selection.
Today, in our first issue, we’ll cover:
Today, in our first issue, we’ll cover:
- Successes of British breeders in reducing mastitis and lameness in cattle.
- First Australian breeding value estimates for calf health.
- Benefits of using sexed semen combined with genotyping.
AHDB: Disease Prevention Starts with Genetic Selection
Disease prevention is the most effective approach to maintain herd health, and it is best to start from the moment of the animal’s conception, asserts the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Proper genetics simplify health management, improve cow welfare, save financial and labor costs, and increase herd profitability.
For this reason, the HealthyCow index was introduced by AHDB to UK farmers in 2021. Now British farmers are reporting significant reduction in mastitis and lameness, as well as improved fertility and increased lifespan in herds where the index is used. Mastitis incidence has decreased from 24.9% to 12.2%, and lameness from 19.2% to 13.3%.
Congratulations to our colleagues on achieving such remarkable results! This effectively shows the success that can be attained in reducing cattle disease incidence through genomic selection.
For this reason, the HealthyCow index was introduced by AHDB to UK farmers in 2021. Now British farmers are reporting significant reduction in mastitis and lameness, as well as improved fertility and increased lifespan in herds where the index is used. Mastitis incidence has decreased from 24.9% to 12.2%, and lameness from 19.2% to 13.3%.
Congratulations to our colleagues on achieving such remarkable results! This effectively shows the success that can be attained in reducing cattle disease incidence through genomic selection.
Dairy News Australia: Australia Develops Its Own Breeding Value Estimates for Calf Health
Records on calf health from over 50 Australian dairy farms will help researchers better understand which genetics benefit youngstock health. This information will be used to create the first Australian Breeding Value (ABV) for Calf Health.
Michelle Axford, a PhD student at La Trobe University and a member of the DataGene Limited team, has led this work for the past two years. One aspect of the research involves surveying dairy farmers to determine how ABV could be expressed and its potential economic value.
Dairy farmers could share their thoughts on how these estimates might work by completing an online survey. The information collected from the survey will be used together with genetic records and calf data from farms to further develop the ABV for Calf Health.
This is an inspiring example of interaction between research scientists and farmers, who provide them with data for processing and refinement. We will keep an eye on our colleagues' work and see what results they’ll achieve.
Michelle Axford, a PhD student at La Trobe University and a member of the DataGene Limited team, has led this work for the past two years. One aspect of the research involves surveying dairy farmers to determine how ABV could be expressed and its potential economic value.
Dairy farmers could share their thoughts on how these estimates might work by completing an online survey. The information collected from the survey will be used together with genetic records and calf data from farms to further develop the ABV for Calf Health.
This is an inspiring example of interaction between research scientists and farmers, who provide them with data for processing and refinement. We will keep an eye on our colleagues' work and see what results they’ll achieve.
Agriland: The Use of Sexed Semen Combined with Genotyping Accelerates Genetic Progress in Cattle
Northern Ireland’s AI Services recommends that dairy farmers not overlook the power of the combined use of sexed semen and genotyping, as it significantly accelerates the rate of genetic progress in cattle.
Farmers may be deterred by the increased costs associated with investments in improved animal genetics. However, the company demonstrates that significant improvements in all aspects of performance can be achieved for less than 2% of the farm’s total expenses.
For example, a breeding strategy based on the combined use of genomic testing and sexed semen can increase the annual PLI growth rate from £22 to £105. Additionally, improved milk quality brings extra profit. Given the high heritability of fat and protein traits, improvements can be realized within a few generations.
At Breedi, we specialize in genomic evaluations of dairy cattle and other animals, conduct genomic testing, and help farmers select heifers for sexed semen based on their genetic merit. The financial argument often becomes a reason for reluctance in genomic selection adoption. However, those farmers who do adopt genomic selection methods significantly accelerate the genetic progress of their herd and move far ahead compared to the farmers who adhere to conservative methods and doesn’t want to work with genetics.
Farmers may be deterred by the increased costs associated with investments in improved animal genetics. However, the company demonstrates that significant improvements in all aspects of performance can be achieved for less than 2% of the farm’s total expenses.
For example, a breeding strategy based on the combined use of genomic testing and sexed semen can increase the annual PLI growth rate from £22 to £105. Additionally, improved milk quality brings extra profit. Given the high heritability of fat and protein traits, improvements can be realized within a few generations.
At Breedi, we specialize in genomic evaluations of dairy cattle and other animals, conduct genomic testing, and help farmers select heifers for sexed semen based on their genetic merit. The financial argument often becomes a reason for reluctance in genomic selection adoption. However, those farmers who do adopt genomic selection methods significantly accelerate the genetic progress of their herd and move far ahead compared to the farmers who adhere to conservative methods and doesn’t want to work with genetics.
Want to know more about how Breedi can help you boost your animals' genetic progress? Drop us an email hello@breedi.app or share your contact details here. We will be glad to showcase how we can help enhance the genetic potential of your livestock animals.