Imagine a world where your dairy cows are consistently more profitable, healthier, and easier to manage. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, new data reveals that genetic advancements in dairy cows are making this dream a reality, and at an accelerating pace! The question is, are you keeping up?
The latest report from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) paints a compelling picture: the rate of genetic improvement, as measured by the Economic Breeding Index (EBI), is skyrocketing. Specifically, the EBI is increasing by a staggering €11.65 per year. To put that into perspective, every single euro increase in EBI translates directly into a €2 boost in farm profit. This means that dairy farmers are seeing tangible financial benefits from these genetic improvements.
But how exactly is the ICBF measuring this progress? They meticulously compare genetic indices of dairy cows in herds at the beginning of July each year, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation in September. This rigorous process allows them to track the overall genetic gain across the country and its impact on profitability per lactation.
Over the past two decades, since the introduction of the Gene Ireland Programme and genomic selection (in 2005 and 2009, respectively), we've witnessed remarkable simultaneous improvements in both milk production and fertility. And this is the part most people miss: Before these advancements, focusing solely on milk production often came at the expense of fertility, creating a frustrating trade-off for farmers. Now, genetic selection allows for improvement in both areas simultaneously.
Consider this: the average EBI of dairy cows today is €188 higher than it was 20 years ago. The ICBF estimates that this translates to an additional €376 in profit per lactation for cows calving this year compared to those calving in 2002. This genetic progress has been instrumental in enabling farmers to breed more efficient and sustainable animals, reducing their environmental footprint while boosting their bottom line.
Now, let's talk about calving. The calving sub-index, which focuses on improving calving ease and reducing mortality rates, is a critical tool for farmers. It guides them in making informed sire choices, helping them identify bulls that are more likely to produce offspring with fewer calving difficulties. The calving sub-index has shown consistent, linear improvement year after year. These improvements also lead to shorter gestation periods, resulting in earlier calving seasons and ultimately better herd management.
According to an ICBF spokesperson, "Breeding is a long-term investment—it takes several years for genetic improvements to fully filter through the herd. That’s why bull selection is so important every year."
They further emphasized that genetics are cumulative and permanent. Each year's improvement builds upon the last, creating a lasting positive impact on the herd's overall genetic makeup. In essence, it's an investment that pays dividends for years to come.
But here's where it gets controversial... While most sub-indices are showing positive trends, the ICBF report highlights some areas of concern. The maintenance sub-index, which reflects the size and maintenance requirements of cows, has seen a slight increase, suggesting cows are getting larger again. This is crucial because larger cows may require more feed and resources, potentially offsetting some of the gains in efficiency. Are we inadvertently selecting for larger cows that need more resources?
The beef sub-index has also experienced a continued decline, although the rate of decline has slowed recently. This could be a concern for farmers who also rely on beef production from their dairy herds. Management and health sub-indices have remained relatively stable. The health sub-index showed an initial increase but has since declined slightly, while the management sub-index has seen minimal gains in the last five years. These areas warrant further attention to ensure overall herd health and efficient management practices.
Tuberculosis (TB) breeding values were introduced as a standalone trait in 2019 and integrated into the EBI in November 2022. The ICBF reports a stabilizing trend in this sub-index. To improve TB resistance, they advise farmers to use bulls with a TB breeding value of less than 8.5%. For faster improvement, bulls with values below 6.5% are recommended. Each animal's breeding value represents the expected prevalence of TB infection in its progeny.
In conclusion, the ICBF emphasizes that the national breeding program and genomic selection have been instrumental in driving the increased rate of genetic gain in the national herd. But are we focusing on the right traits? Is enough emphasis being placed on disease resistance, feed efficiency, and environmental impact? These are critical questions that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry.
What are your thoughts on these findings? Are you seeing similar improvements in your herd? What challenges are you facing in implementing these genetic advancements? And, perhaps most importantly, what traits do you think the industry should prioritize in the future? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
