Canada is world-renowned for having outstanding dairy cattle with superior genetic potential. In 2014, the exports of dairy genetics from Canada exceeded $158 million, which was nearly a 30 percent increase over 2013 and a 43 percent increase over 2012.

Did you know traits like milk yield, conformation, rump and calving ability aren’t included in the LPI? Do you feel these traits are important in your sire selection and herd improvement program and should be included in the LPI formula?

2014 marks five years since the implementation of genomics in Canada, and has the world of genetic improvement ever changed. Genomics was boasted by scientists as a technology that would revolutionize genetic improvement strategies and significantly increase rates of genetic improvement.

Genetic progress achieved over the years in the Canadian dairy cattle population has been quite impressive. As time passes and the industry progresses, it’s useful to re-evaluate our national index and selection goals to assure we’re still on the right path.