Looking forward, how can genomic test results be of further value to the Hoard's Dairyman Farm? That was the topic of discussion at a recent farm meeting with Richard Wallace, D.V.M., Dairy Technical Services Veterinarian, and Angela Zwald, Territory Business Manager, both from Zoetis.
The main value of genomic testing for commercial dairies, according Wallace, is to help make the three biggest decisions in a heifer's life:
1. Do we want her in the herd? Genomic test results allow you to see how a heifer's genetics stack up compared to the rest of its herdmates and make a decision early on if you want to raise it or not.
2. Do I want more replacements like her or less? If you like a heifer, you may consider breeding it with sexed semen so that its genetics can be passed along to a female calf. If you don't particularly care for the heifer's predicted potential, you may want to use a beef breed sire to produce a more valuable calf for market.
3. Who should I breed her to? Genomic data can be a great asset in the corrective mating process, and it can be used to avoid combinations of lethal genes.
Wallace encourages farms to create more heifers than they need. "Make more heifers so you can be more selective in which ones you keep," he explained. "This allows you to conduct an interview, so to speak, with your heifers. Ask the question, ‘Do you want to be a cow on this farm?'"
As a result of solid reproductive performance, the Hoard's Dairyman Farm may have more cattle than we have room for by the end of the year. Wallace suggested looking at genomic test results, in addition to evaluating animals visually and reviewing health records, to determine which heifers and cows fit best in the herd and which ones to send interviewing for another job.
The author is an associate editor and covers animal health, dairy housing and equipment, and nutrient management. She grew up on a dairy farm near Plymouth, Wis., and previously served as a University of Wisconsin agricultural extension agent. She received a master's degree from North Carolina State University and a bachelor's from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
