Genetics testing numbers have boomed in the dairy industry, with genomic testing up 51 per cent this year, compared with the year prior.
A total of 92,986 dairy females were genomically tested during 2022-23, according to DataGene.
This 51pc increase is the largest year-on-year jump since the 136pc increase in testing between 2018-19 and 2019-20.
DataGene chief executive Matt Shaffer told the organisations' annual general meeting recently that female genomic testing was a "game-changing opportunity" for Australian dairyfarmers.
"It allows them to accurately identify the most profitable replacements soon after birth," he said.
"By quantifying the invisible, genomic testing creates opportunities to fast-track herd genetic gain and productivity as well as diversifying income streams and enhancing business agility."
Bull genomic testing also increased by 42pc to a total of 8650 bulls in 2022-23 - another genomic testing record.
The increase genomic information also has the benefit of strengthening existing Australian Breeding Values as well the development of new ABVs.
The Balanced Performance Index reliability of young Holstein sires has increased 1pc since 2020 and for young Jersey sires this has risen 5 pc.
Dr Shaffer said this increase in BPI reliability means farmers and breeding advisers could select bulls for their breeding program with even more confidence.
Other genetic trends highlighted at the DataGene AGM included the rise in the average rate of genetic gain for BPI in sires of cows.
The rate of genetic gain in Holsteins has increased from $28.82 per cow/year to $32.62/cow/year, during the past five years.
For Jerseys the 10-year trend is $15.76/cow/year and during the past five years this has risen to $16.54/cow/year.
This news comes as its revealed DataGene is on track to deliver $638 million to the Australian dairy industry through improvements in genetic gain, breeding efficacy, herd and data management decisions and use across 30 years.
This benefit came from an analysis commissioned by DataGene and Dairy Australia and completed by independent economic advisors Marsden Jacob Associates to better understand the impact DataGene has had on the Australian dairy industry since its inception in 2016.
The analysis showed DataGene delivered a benefit-cost ratio of 17.9 to 1 - comparable to work completed overseas.
DataGene chair Graeme Gillan told the AGM this benefit-cost ratio demonstrated the power of genetics and how it compounds across years.
The AGM also confirmed the appointment of two new DataGene directors - stud beef breeder Alex Ball, Armidale, NSW, and Vikings Genetics country manager Jim Bruce - and the reappointment of Western Victorian dairyfarmer Sam Simpson.
