Farmers can now have more confidence in Breeding Worth data that better reflects animals in their individual herds following two key updates by New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd.
The updates involving Holstein Friesian cows and days of milking come after the NZAEL team compared every animal evaluation run to identify areas for improvement.
The first update enables NZAEL to identify what proportion of a Holstein Friesian cow is Holstein and what proportion is Friesian. Key differences between the breeds mean this information will help improve farmers' breeding decisions.
The second update better reflects the number of days farmers milk per year, with herd testing data collected over up to 305 days now included in animal evaluation (up from 270 days).
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"These improvements are part of NZAEL's commitment to continuous improvement," manager Andrew Fear says. "It's important data captured in NZAEL's Dairy Industry Good Animal Database accurately informs our animal evaluation process, and provides meaningful insights for farmers.
"We want farmers to have confidence the data they use to make their breeding decisions is the best it can be."
The new formula to identify the proportion of Holstein and Friesian in each Holstien Friesian animal in a farmer's herd gives farmers better information on the genetic potential of those animals.
Holsteins are usually larger and typically have a higher Udder Overall BV. Friesians produce less milk volume, but have a better fertility BV.
By having better information on the breed proportions of their animals, farmers can make breeding decisions to best suit their farm needs and their own preferences.
"Farmers can now expect more stability and accuracy in their herd data to base their breeding decisions on," Fear says.
With data collected over up to 305 days of lactation now counting towards animal evaluation of each herd-tested cow, modern milking practices are better reflected. The previous 270 days cut-off was historical, and meant animals who were herd tested beyond 270 days were missing that extra data.
"Allowing this extra data means we will have more accurate BW data so farmers can feel more confident making breeding decisions for the next season."
Fear encourages farmers to use the NZAEL tools available to them, including the Bull Search and Bull Team Builder as well as working closely with their AB provider for advice on breeding decisions. -DairyNZ
