Farming Talk – December 19
Two new online tools will help dairy farmers choose bulls that better match their requirements and improve the accuracy of semen order volumes.
Our new Breeding Trait Selector enables farmers to identify and prioritise the best genetic traits for their herds. It recommends traits to focus on, based upon farmers' answers to a few simple questions such as calving patterns, contract and breeding strategy, alongside any areas for improvement, for example yield, health, fertility.
To get the most from the tool, our Herd Genetic Report shows the strengths and weaknesses of your herd and their genetic potential.
There are a wide range of traits that farmers can select for, which can be broadly categorised into production traits, calf and cow survival, fertility, udder health, leg health, calving ability and efficiency.
We’ve also launched a ‘Breeding Season Semen Calculator’ which works out your herd’s requirements for semen by using details about the number of breeding females, conception rates and the split of conventional, sexed or beef semen to work out the number of straws needed to meet a herd’s requirements.
You can access the tools at ahdb.org.uk/breedingblocks
On the back of our latest genetics evaluation review in early December, now is the perfect time to review your breeding plan and harness the potential of further gains in your herd.
Marco Winters is Head of Animal Genetics, AHDB Dairy
