Research from LIC shows New Zealand farmers are achieving increasing rates of genetic gain thanks to genomics.
We recently reviewed the rate of genetic gain in NZ herds that have predominantly been using LIC bulls over the last 10 years (with more than 80% usage every year).
This research found these herds are achieving markedly greater rates of genetic gain* than the widely acknowledged industry average of 10BW per annum:
- From 2012-2016, the average rate of genetic gain within these herds was 9gBW per annum.
- From 2017-2020 the average rate of genetic gain increased to 16gBW per annum.
It also found heifers born in 2020 had an average 171gBW – up from 71gBW in 2012.
About this research
Approximately 2,700 herds were identified. On average, 80% of the progeny were sired by LIC bulls over the last 10 years and are herd testing this season.
For each season since 2012 the heifer calves that were present in the herd on December 1st of their season of birth were identified. Using genetic evaluation results from the LIC Single Step Animal Model for the November 2021 animal evaluation run, the average progeny BW per year group was calculated. All of the animals are evaluated on the 2020/2021 relative economic values.
*The rate of genetic gain is defined as the BW movement between one age group of replacements compared to the next.
Why is increasing the rate of genetic gain important?
An increase in gBW delivers increased production efficiency and improved environmental efficiency. In this era of a stabilising cow population and increased environmental and regulatory considerations, there has never been a more important time to be focussed on improving the efficiency of the national herd at a faster rate.
If we’re not going to be milking more cows, we need to be milking better cows.
What is driving the increase?
These findings confirm the gains that can be made with a strong focus on herd improvement, consistent use of high genetic merit bull teams and the use of genomic science which now underpins our breeding programme.
It’s really encouraging to see that farmers that have predominantly been using LIC bulls are achieving markedly higher rates of genetic gain and seeing the benefit of our investment in genomics.
How many farmers are using genomic bulls?
Out of the 4.3million AI straws expected to be delivered throughout New Zealand this season, just over half (50.3%) of the straws will be from genomic bulls – a significant uptick from 12.6% in 2016.
How does genomics contribute to an increased rate of genetic gain?
Rather than waiting for performance data from a bull’s daughters to come through, genomics utilises a young bull’s DNA and ancestry to predict its performance. From this we know as early as possible whether a bull has the genetic merit to sire the next generation of sustainable and efficient dairy cows.
LIC has considerably invested in genomic technology over the last 30 years because we passionately believe in its power to enhance herd improvement and the role it will continue to play in the future of the dairy industry.
Genomics is the high-octane fuel that will help drive the increased rates of genetic gain we need, as the future of dairy farming becomes more reliant on the quality and efficiency of cows.
