In light of rising feed costs, dairy farms can boost profitability by focusing on whole-farm feed efficiency, particularly by managing feed cost per hundredweight (cwt) of energy-corrected milk. According to data from the University of Minnesota, the top 10%...
DNA parentage testing in animals operates on exclusion principles, where an offspring’s DNA profile is compared to that of potential parents. If the genetic markers don’t align, the parent is excluded. When markers match across the evaluated DNA markers,...
A University of Wisconsin–Madison team conducted surveys in 2019 and 2023, examining how dairy farms integrate beef x dairy crossbreeding to improve market efficiency. The surveys revealed that conception rate, calving ease, and semen cost were the top criteria...
Source: Lactanet
by: Hannah Sweett, Ph. D. and Allison Fleming, Ph. D.
The dairy industry has undergone a significant transformation in its genetic strategies, driven by the advancements in genomics, the widespread adoption of sexed semen, and the growing use of...
Source: Journal of Dairy Science
ABSTRACT
Genetic selection could be a tool to help improve the health and welfare of calves; however, to date, there is limited research on the genetics of calfhood diseases. This study aimed to understand the current...
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Ryan Sterry
Introduction
UCLA’s John Wooden is known for his unparalleled run as men’s basketball coach, winning 10 national championships in a 12-year period. He is equally well known outside the sporting world for...
Source: Lactanet Canada, Brian Van Doormaal
Each year, based on official animal registration and pedigree information within its database, Lactanet Canada computes current inbreeding statistics within the Canadian cow population of each dairy breed.
In this way, the average level of...
Source: Zoetis news release
Zoetis and Danone recently announced a joint business development plan to drive sustainable practices on today's dairy farms through the power of genetics for healthier cows. Combining Danone's commitment to environmental stewardship with Zoetis' expertise in...
Source: University of Minnesota Extension, Joe Armstrong, DVM, and Brad Heins, Extension educators
Quick facts
There are several genetic evaluation tools that make interpreting dairy genetics easier.
Sire selection is the fastest way to make improvements in herd genetics.
Crossbreeding...
Source: University of Kentucky
By: Donna M. Amaral-Phillips, Extension Professor and Dairy Nutritionist
Selecting AI sires is a very important management decision which will impact future
production, health and economic return of the future generations of cows in a dairy herd. With...
