Investing in genetic gain for long-term resilience
The dairy sector is in a strong position, with high milk prices, declining interest rates, and renewed confidence.
The alliance gives access to leading Australian dairy sires and reverses the trend of Australia importing dairy genetics from New Zealand, says Genetics Australia’s export manager, Rob Derksen.
“This is an opportunity for New Zealand dairy farmers, particularly those interested in introducing genetics tried and tested in an environment that relies on a grazing diet, but able also respond to feed supplement when challenged,” says Derksen.
“New Zealand genetics have been available in Australia for several years and it is apparent that dairying is changing in New Zealand and we feel the time is right to offer New Zealand farmers some top Australian genetics.”
Genetics Australia is a farmer owned cooperative that claims to utilise the best genetics worldwide in “a blend of the best international sires combined with leading Australian cow families to produce bulls which breed efficient, profitable milk producers that can perform on grass,” says Derksen.
He says Australian developed genetics was ideal to satisfy the growing global demand for dairy genetics capable of producing a medium size, functional cow suitable for long term, efficient milk production.
“Genetics Australia has focused on the ‘Australian cow’ for 50 years under diverse and often harsh dairy conditions and it is not surprising that Australian proven bulls dominate the local Australian top bull lists.”
Genetic Enterprises managing director Allen Donald says he was keen to include the best Australian genetics in their product range. Genetics Australia bulls will feature in the 2015 semen catalogue, available now.
“There will be a lot of interest in the Australian Holstein and Jersey, particularly from farmers wanting a strong, functional cow able to push milk yields. And the Aussie Red breed offers an option for cross breeding.
“The Aussie Red was developed 30 years ago by blending the strengths of Scandinavian genetics over the Australian Illawarra Shorthorn. This Aussie Red breed is ideal for cross breeding farmers to use in a three-way cross breeding strategy with Holstein and Jersey that blends the strength of all three breeds and maximizes heterosis,” he says.
“The alliance between Genetics Australia and Genetic Enterprises will also provide an opportunity to Identify high young Australian bulls suited to grazing, based on their genomic profiles.”
