{"id":5699,"date":"2026-06-18T07:26:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T12:26:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/za\/?p=5699"},"modified":"2026-06-18T07:26:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T12:26:58","slug":"use-genomic-data-breeding-decisions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/za\/use-genomic-data-breeding-decisions\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Genomic Data to Design Your Future Herd"},"content":{"rendered":"

From Genomic Data to Better Cattle: Shaping the Next Generation<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Genomic testing has moved well beyond being a \u201cnice-to-have\u201d technology. Today, it is a practical decision-making tool that equips producers with valuable information that reduces costs, improves efficiency and boosts profitability, providing greater confidence and precision. In an article originally published by Ag Proud<\/a>, the focus is clear: genomics is not just about collecting data;\u00a0it is about using that data intentionally to match cattle to markets, management styles, and long-term herd goals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Much like other progressive tools in dairy and beef production, genomics delivers the most value when it supports clear, well-defined decisions rather than standing alone as a technology investment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Importance of Genomic Testing Your Heifers<\/a>
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From Data to Intentional Breeding Decisions<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

At its core, genomic testing provides an early,\u00a0accurate\u00a0look at an animal\u2019s genetic potential, thereby enhancing precision through the improved reliability of genetic evaluations.\u00a0By testing calves shortly after birth, producers gain insight into traits related to production, health, fertility, longevity, and efficiency long before those traits can be observed phenotypically.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This early visibility allows operations to move from assumption-based decisions to intentional\u00a0selection. Instead of raising every\u00a0heifer\u00a0the same way, genomic data helps\u00a0identify\u00a0which animals are best suited to become replacements, which may fit better in embryo or contract programs, and which should be redirected toward alternative markets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Matching Genetics to the Market<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The\u00a0\u201cideal cow\u201d is not universal. The best genetics for one operation may not serve another as well. Genomic data gives producers the ability to refine breeding strategies based on what truly drives profitability in their specific operation \u2013 whether that is fluid milk production,\u00a0component\u00a0yield, feed efficiency, health traits, or longevity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

By aligning sire\u00a0selection\u00a0and mating decisions with genomic profiles, herds can reduce mismatches between genetics and management, improving consistency and overall performance across the herd.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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What is your ideal cow?<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Managing Risk with More Confidence<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Genomics also plays a key role in risk management. Traits related to health, fertility, and survivability help producers\u00a0identify\u00a0animals that are more resilient and better equipped to meet performance expectations under real-world conditions. This reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that time, feed, and resources are invested in animals most likely to generate a return.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rather than reacting to performance issues later, genomic data supports proactive planning \u2013 the same mindset shift seen in successful health and management programs across the industry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Data Is Only Powerful When It Is Used<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The article emphasizes that genomic testing delivers value only when the information is acted upon. Testing without a plan limits the return on investment. The most successful operations incorporate genomic data into routine breeding discussions, genetic strategy reviews, and long-term herd planning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When genomics is fully integrated into decision-making, it becomes less about individual animals and more about building a predictable, profitable herd generation after generation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Genomic evaluations designed for you.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Building the Next Generation with Purpose and Precision<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Genomics gives producers the ability to design the future of their herd instead of leaving it to chance. With more precise data available earlier than ever, breeding decisions can be intentional, targeted, and\u00a0market-driven.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The opportunity is not just to produce better cattle \u2013 but to create a herd that aligns with business goals, adapts to changing markets, and delivers consistent returns year after year.<\/p>\r\n

Find a Partner for Faster Progress<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

The right genetic partner helps you take genomic testing from endless columns on a spreadsheet to actionable decisions that result in faster genetic progress.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Are you ready to profit from genetic progress by developing a customised genetic plan built on your goals and actionable insights from your herd\u2019s data?<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Learn more about\u00a0heifer inventories and\u00a0genomics\u00a0by<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>reading\u00a0our\u00a0article originally published in Progressive Dairy<\/a>.\u202f<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n\t

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