Genetics focus boosts herd
A strong focus on genetics and DNA has paid dividends for Fernside dairy farmer Julie Bradshaw with four of her cows being selected for the LIC breeding programme.
“LIC remains committed to the belief that genomics is the way of the future and there is nothing else on the horizon which can compare with the benefits or boost to genetic gain that genomics offers,” general manager genetics, Peter Gatley, told Rural News.
Gatley says there’s been no drop-off in demand for DNA Proven semen but it’s important to emphasise that farmers have a choice.
“Those wanting elite sires years ahead of traditional sire proving can do so, while others are able to utilise Daughter Proven semen. We will use genomics ourselves to pre-screen all bulls purchased by LIC but beyond that, it’s simply a matter of farmer choice.”
Gatley points out LIC isn’t alone in its faith in genomics as a selection tool. Data presented at a conference in Melbourne last year showed every major dairy nation using genomically selected young sires with market share ranging from 25 to 50%.
“Uptake is even higher now. In the not too distant future, we expect genomics to be able to identify naturally occurring defects before carrying out any inseminations at all. That is yet another benefit of this technology.”
LIC is crediting the cost of all semen and inseminations from Matrix.
“We stand by the decision that compensation is not appropriate but the LIC Board believes that a gesture of goodwill is the right thing to do for the farmers who have daughters of the bull, Matrix,” says LIC Chairman Murray King.
“We understand the impact and share the frustration of losing otherwise healthy calves and have considered farmer suggestions that it is appropriate to make a tangible gesture to the farmers impacted by this issue, over and above the free sampling and calf DNA testing service we have made available to farmers.
“On further reflection, the LIC Board believes it is appropriate for LIC to credit in full the cost of every insemination made by Matrix, regardless of the fact that half of the heifer progeny are perfectly healthy.”
Farmers affected should have received a letter outlining the credit which will show in their September statements.
