The advent of genomics has certainly played a heavy role in today’s popular genetics. Screening for elite males and females has become more exact and has rapidly driven genetic progress far beyond anyone’s wildest expectations in a relatively short period of time. While genomic technology currently holds its greatest stakes within elite dairy cattle breeding programs, many commercial dairy operations are finding tremendous value and return on investment in mass genomic screening.
As expenses continue to climb in heifer rearing, putting dollars towards feeding and housing heifers that are not going to contribute to the bottom-line only narrows profit margins. Genomic testing simplifies and adds confidence to culling and breeding decisions, as a 7K test 36 percent more reliable than traditional predicted transmitting abilities based on parent averages. This added confidence can pay significant dividends later.
Genomic testing can also assist herd managers in managing their genetic dollars. With greater knowledge of a heifer’s genetic potential, products like sexed semen can be more effectively utilized. Inversely, less expensive semen can be used on lower-ranking females if culling is not an option.
The more that is known about the genetic make-up of a group of animals (both males and females), the more certain genes and specific genetic lines can be amplified and managed.