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Here are a few practical considerations for using genomic tools to improve the profitability of your herd.
February 5, 2025
Genomic tools can add value to your cow-calf breeding decisions, though genotyping has a cost. Your willingness to invest in genotyping will affect what information is available to you. However, there are ways you can apply genomic tools to add value to your herd over a range of investment levels.
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting brought reproductive professionals together to discuss methods in which progress might be made. Topics included embryo viability, sustainability efforts, beef-on-dairy trends, data management and more.
Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) brought producers, academia and industry experts together for discussions, presentations and panels Nov. 12-14 at the 2024 annual meeting in Arlington, Texas.
A decorated career in dairy cattle genetics culminates in the prestigious World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year Award for Paul Larmer as he reflects on his 40-year vocation.
Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year.
Analyzing genomic data can help producers hone in on the most valuable traits for their operations. Genomic research shows that managing to improve hybrid vigor will increase fertility, longevity and lifetime productivity.
Historically, the relative value of traits to the commercial cow-calf sector has been stated as the “10-to-2-to-1 rule of thumb,” where fertility traits are 10 times more important than carcass traits and five times more important than growth traits.
In the past 20 years, genetic potential of the cow herd and production costs have steadily increased; however, production outputs (pregnancy rates and weaning weights) have been stagnant or declined.
Improving a cow herd’s genetics can happen from many different points of origin and emphasize even more tactics. Fortunately, a few factors top the list when looking for guidance on these important decisions.