Boost for NZ, Nordic Jerseys genetic link
A new collaboration is underway to improve the genetic links between the New Zealand and Nordic Jersey cattle populations.
Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) say continued investment in gene discovery and genetic analysis technology is allowing their farmer shareholders to improve cow production valued in the millions.
Investment into the understanding of bovine genetics undertaken by LIC scientists indicates farmers could be missing out on production to the tune of up to the tune of up to $10 million each year.
The co-operative spent $16 million on research and development during the 2019/20 season.
The discovery of genetic variations have been made from the farmer-owned co-operative's database of genotyped cows and bulls and validated through on-farm inspections.
LIC chief scientist Richard Spelman says that despite a relatively low frequently, the hidden impacts on production from these variants can be substantial.
Spelman says they are recessive genetic variations, which means an animal has to have two copies to be affected.
"Identifying these animals via Genemark and removing them from the herd as calves will save in lost production and the rearing cost for these animals.
"We estimate this could be worth up to $10 million in lost production each year across the national herd," he says.
"Even having a few of these cows in a herd could equate to significant loss in productivity and profitability."
He says that LIC's continued investment in gene discovery, with the Genemark testing platform, will allow farmers to identify genetic variations in animals as calves, remove them from the herd, and allow them to focus on the rest of their replacements.
Each of the variants exist within the national herd at differing frequencies and all have varying effects on an animal's production.
From spring 2021, all farmers using LIC's Genemark services will automotically be notified at no additional charge if any of their calves are affected by any of the variations.
"We are pleased our combined investment into science and technology has come together to deliver a simple and convenient service for farmers that is likely to save millions in lost production."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.