ABS & Dairy News
WHY IS GENETIC DIVERSITY IMPORTANT?
Some herds, and even genetics companies, have chosen to chase fewer genetic lines, meaning a short list of sires appears in their genetic plan. Focusing only on one elite genetic line, without any thought of diversity, increases the risk of future challenges, including ones that often come from inbreeding. Thus, balancing both is imperative, which…
HEALTH TRAITS PROVE VITAL FOR GIPPSLAND HERD
A focus on breeding for health traits and developing consistent cow families has delivered one Gippsland dairy farm business its first bull into artificial insemination. And while Stuart and Jacqui Tracy, their son Angus and daughter-in-law Ruby, believe they’ve “won the lottery” when it comes to breeding Holstein Waratah Oberon, his pedigree tells a different…
GENETICS ENSURES MARGINS ARE ‘KING’ IN GIPPSLAND
Megan and Barry Coster know what type of cows work in their business. That’s because the West Gippsland dairy farmers have spent decades fine-tuning their breeding. The couple – who own and operate Bellbrook Holsteins – have worked to achieve a balance of productivity, health and type, ensuring they maximise profit across their pasture-based, seasonal…