THE latest Australian Breeding Values for the dairy industry will be available for dairyfarmers to view during their Christmas break after being released this week.
DataGene’s Michelle Axford said the Balanced Performance Index was rapidly becoming the preferred index of genetic merit used by Australian dairyfarmers and the herd improvement industry.
Released in 2015, the BPI includes the main traits that influence a dairy cow’s contribution to the farm business – production, fertility, cell count, feed efficiency, functional type, longevity and workability.
“Dairyfarmers may have different breeding priorities, but they all run a business, so they do consider the traits that affect the bottom line,” she said.
“Many farmers set a minimum BPI cut off for bulls they buy.
“There are so many high BPI bulls available, that this approach leaves plenty of choice for priority traits, budget and company preferences.”
DataGene has also set the dates for its 2019 ABV releases – April 8, August 19 and December 9.
The organisation has also welcomed Vic dairyfarmer Tim Jelbart to its board.
He was appointed during the mid-November annual general meeting, as Wagga Wagga, NSW, dairyfarmer Simone Jolliffe and Holstein Australia chief executive officer and National Herd Improvement Association chair Graeme Gillan were re-appointed.
Mr Jelbart is general manager of the 1000-cow dairy operation, Jelbart Dairy, in South Gippsland, which he co-owns with his two brothers.
- Details: 03 9032 7191, enquiries@datagene.com.au or datagene.com.au.