27 young bulls have graduated into LIC's artificial breeding bull teams this spring including Jersey bull, Careys CM Lexicon S2J (pictured). Photo: Supplied / LIC
A record 27 young bulls have graduated into artificial breeding teams this spring, ready to sire the next generation of dairy cows in time for peak mating season.
The bulls will join the Livestock Improvement Corporation, or LIC's, breeding teams after meeting strict criteria to join the group.
LIC livestock selection manager Simon Worth said the record number of new bulls showed the co-operatives's continued investment in genomic science was paying off.
"What we are using here, more and more, is the use of genomics, effectively the study of DNA, so we are able to get a more reliable prediction on a young bull," he said.
"We've been investing in that technology for decades now, and I think these results are a testament to the investment that's gone in over a long period of time.
"It is cutting edge science, and it's a science that's getting better all the time."
Worth said it was also notable that the 27 bulls were sired by 17 different fathers, which ensured genetic diversity.
He said the bar was set very high for bull selection and took into account the traits that farmers wanted.
"The bar is set extremely high, and rightly so. When we select our bulls, it's first and foremost about how they rank on Breeding Worth (BW). If they tick that box, we then assess them for a range of other traits farmers are looking for in their cows.
"The addition of these bulls is based on extreme indexes, and a balance of production efficiency, udder conformation and management traits that help farmers breed better cows."
Worth said using elite bulls to sire the next generation of replacements was an important tool to help farmers tackle climate challenges.
"Breeding the best cows, faster, is key to helping farmers remain profitable and sustainable," he said.
"A strong focus on herd improvement and consistent use of high-BW bull teams will deliver results on-farm by breeding cows that produce more and are more emissions efficient."
