Sunday, 17 May 2015 15:52

DNA test unlocks genetic potential of Oz herds

Written by 
Holstein Australia chief executive Graeme Gillan. Holstein Australia chief executive Graeme Gillan.

Researchers behind a new tool say it gives Australian dairy farmers the potential to double the net income per cow that arises due to genetic improvement.

The new genetic selection tool, called Clarifide, takes genetic information from an animal’s DNA and converts it into a practical decision making tool for farmers.

Clarifide is the culmination of many years of research and development at the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS), the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), and Zoetis. It has been successfully trialled in Victoria.

Clarifide offers reliable predictions of the potential of a herd with a simple tail hair test from the day of birth. A Clarifide genomic test delivers information on young heifers that is equivalent to recording their performance over seven lactations

Geneticist Jennie Pryce, of DEDJTR, said Clarifide gives farmers access to more reliable data for a number of traits not previously possible, with significant economic benefits. “Research suggests that farmers could double the value of their investment if they adopt a genomic selection tool for their breeding and selection decisions,” Pryce says.

The simple tail-hair DNA test will allow farmers to identify superior animals from as early as birth and identify whether or not these animals possess the potential to deliver on economically important traits including milk production, good fertility and overall durability.

“With an extra level of precision, farmers can now confidently select their best replacement animals, allocate higher value or sexed semen to genetically superior females, and increase the rate of genetic gain for economically important genetic traits, with the use of this new DNA technology,” Pryce says.

South West Gippsland farmers Peter and Jeanette Clark were able to realise the hidden genetic potential of their heifers after using Clarifide during trials in Victoria.

“We could never have imagined the extent of genetic potential that existed in our herd without a genetic test like it,” Jeanette Clark says. “We realised we were missing out on an opportunity to mate our heifers to top-rated semen after seeing their breeding values, so this tool has allowed us to make faster genetic improvements in our herd and know that we are breeding from the cow families that will make this advancement possible.”

Holstein Australia chief executive Graeme Gillan says the Australian dairy industry should take advantage of valuable breeding tools and grow their overall knowledge, acceptance and utilisation in herds.

“In Australia, genomic testing is an under-utilised technology, especially at female level, so it is exciting that there is going to be another channel that farmers will be able to incorporate into their business,” Gillan says.

“A farmer’s biggest asset is their herd, so if they don’t value genetics, they are missing out on an opportunity to know more about animals from an early age and make better breeding decisions.  The more farmers can get out of their herd, the more opportunity for gain.

“In essence, farmers can put their money and efforts into the animals that will help to build a more profitable farm.”

Zoetis technical services manager Emily Piper says the new tool will allow farmers to avoid the risk of raising genetically inferior animals.

“We can now assist dairy producers with the difficult decisions on selection and management of heifers using a simple tail hair sample. That DNA sample can deliver a wealth of knowledge to producers about the animal’s future production, health and type potential,” Piper says.

More like this

FTA good for Aussies and for us – Groser

ANYTHING GOOD for Australia is in the long run good for New Zealand. That’s the reaction of Trade Minister Tim Groser to the news that Australia has signed a free trade agreement with China, and to speculation that their FTA with China is better than NZ’s, especially regarding dairy products.

Record profit for Victorian farmers

Dairy farmers in the Australian state of Victoria had a record profitable 2022-23 season, thanks to high milk prices and carefully managed high costs.

Aliens have landed

OPINION: A mutilation mystery is playing out on a remote Central Queensland property in Australia after a number of cows were found dead in inexplicable circumstances.

Co-op offers $1.50/kgMS more in Oz

A shrinking milk pool in Australia is forcing major processors, including Fonterra, to outbid each other and secure farmer suppliers for the new season.

Oz is better

OPINION: News that the Labour Government is spending taxpayer money to advertise to New Zealanders living in Australia that life is better there now they can get citizenship is appalling.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter