Farmer input needed to combat FE
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on livestock farmers to take part in a survey measuring the financial impact of facial eczema (FE).
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd (NZAEL) says changes to fertility estimated breeding value (EBV) will provide more accurate information to dairy farmers and artificial breeding companies ahead of the next mating season.
The fertility trait change separates gestation length from fertility and creates a tenth trait to Breeding Worth (BW) – the index used to rank cows and bulls on their ability to efficiently convert feed into profit.
Released by NZAEL – the independent animal evaluation entity for dairy animals – the change makes gestation length (GL) a stand-alone trait, so it does not influence fertility estimated breeding value (EBV). It will also ensure farmers have more accurate information to make confident breeding decisions ahead of the next mating season.
“Part of NZAEL’s role is reflecting the fertility of animals as accurately as possible for farmers,” says NZAEL manager Andrew Fear.
“Fertility is an important trait for New Zealand dairy herds, given our seasonal pasture-based farm systems. The change is important to farmers, as it means we aren’t unintentionally selecting for gestation length,” Fear says.
The change separating gestation length from fertility is expected to be permanent.
“This is an example of the continuous improvements NZAEL is making,” he says. “It’s important for farmers to make use of this change now, so they can confidently make good breeding decisions.”
The next fertility trait change is being developed. This will see NZAEL move to a conception-based fertility trait, which according to NZAEL, means GL won’t influence conception dates to the same degree as the current fertility trait, which is based on calving dates.
“Shorter GL is economically economically beneficial for farmers,” Fear says. “For example, it allows more days in-milk and more time to recover between calving and the start of mating, but its value is lower than that of early conception date. Therefore, both traits should be valued independently when considering an animal’s breeding worth (BW).”
The change in overall BW will be minimal off the back of the current fertility trait change, but farmers may see a decrease of around 10 BW in bulls on the Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list.
The NZAEL team and partner experts are working towards releasing the new trait in December 2023.
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
The Government's plan to merge the seven crown institutes presents exciting possibilities for plant technology company Grasslanz Technology, says chief executive Megan Skiffington.
Agribusiness leader Rob Hewett is the new chair of listed carpet maker Bremworth.
OPINION: Results of regional New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) are trickling in but there's a worrying trend emerging.
OPINION: It seems that the work rate of some parliamentarians is well below par.