30
of the herd is 50% determined by the mating sire, with the other 50% coming from the dam, careful selection and understanding of the genetic qualities of the female replacements you are working with in your own herd should not be underestimated.
The use of genomic testing, combined with the use of sexed semen on the top end and beef semen on the bottom end of the herd, can bring significant returns. If the cost of genomic testing is too great at the moment, then as a first step breeders are urged to at least review their herd’s genetic potential through AHDB Dairy’s Herd Genetic Report. This on-line report for all female animals in the herd, provides an at-a-glance overview of not just the
production genetics, but more importantly, the genetics for the important fitness and fertility traits. An evaluation of the current herd’s genetic potential has to be part of any successful breeding plan, as without this the end goal is much less clear to see.
What next?
Fertility on farm is once again improving on both a phenotypic and genetic level. Despite its low heritability, the vast amount of data available through milk recording and further advanced through genomics has allowed the UK dairy industry to make real and significant gains in fertility since 2007 without the need to compromise on yield. With fertility now on the up, showcasing what can be achieved when we as an
industry combine our efforts to improve the national herd, we surely should be able to make the same genetic contribution to other major challenges on farms, such as lameness and maintenance feed costs.
CALCULATING FERTILITY INDEX
Fertility Index is estimated for bulls from six daughter traits: 1. Calving interval
2. Non-return rate at 56 days 3. Body condition score
4. Milk yield at the time of insemination (110 days) 5. Days from calving to first insemination 6. Number of inseminations needed to get a cow in calf
IMPORTANCE OF RECORDING
The implementation of the Fertility Index and subsequent genomic evaluations has only been made possible thanks to the vast amount of fertility data which is being captured through the milk recording organisations. For the industry to continue to benefit and further improve the accuracy of these evaluations, the importance of the recording of fertility events cannot be stressed enough.
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