DataGene celebrates a decade of genetic progress
DataGene is today celebrating a decade of significant genetic progress and productivity gains since the release of the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) in 2015.
Over the past 10 years the average genetic merit of Holstein ‘Good Bulls’ has more than doubled – rising from a BPI of 175 to 441.
It’s a similar story with Jersey “Good Bulls” lifting their average BPI from 198 to 328 over the decade, while Australian Red Breeds have also experienced a decade of genetic gain with the average “Good Bull” now at 259 BPI, up from 184 in 2015.
Speaking at today’s AGM in Melbourne, Chair Tim Jelbart said the figures confirm that consistent selection delivers lasting progress.
DataGene Chair, Tim Jelbart reported on impressive genetic gains over the past 10 years at the AGM held in Melbourne recently.
“Every joining is an opportunity for dairy farmers to improve the genetic merit of their herds,” he said. “The beauty about genetics is that the gain is permanent and compounding. Genetics accounts for about 30% of productivity gains on dairy farms. The gain over the past decade represents nearly 13% per cow improvement every year, a sharp increase on previous decades and proof that genomics and data-driven breeding are delivering results like never before.”
Mr Jelbart said the decade of progress reflected a whole-of-industry effort — from farmers who contribute data to researchers and breeding companies who turn that data into value. “Together, we’re accelerating genetic progress for a more productive and sustainable dairy future,” he said.
Reporting on the year’s activities Mr Jelbart said DataGene continued to provide farmers with accessible genetic and herd management information to support confident decisions in uncertain times. “It’s more important than ever to be making decisions underpinned by data from our own businesses. The environmental and market challenges faced by many farmers this year have left no room for uncertainty in decision-making,” he said.
Today, two out of every three dairy farmers use the Good Bulls App. There are now almost 18.5 million cows in the Central Data Repository, and the DataConnect project continues to link more data sources.
Despite the market uncertainty DataGene was able to post a small net deficit of $122,842, a significant improvement from the previous year’s $575,444 deficit. “Although DataGene was affected by the collapse of heifer exports to China and some external projects not going ahead, expenditure was held well below budget to account for this, putting DataGene in a more favourable cash position than expected at the end of year,” he said.
Mr Jelbart thanked all members for their support throughout the year, particularly Dairy Australia which provides significant financial funding.
During the AGM, Mr Jelbart and Jeff Odgers were reappointed to the board.
For more information contact: DataGene 1800 841 848 or enquiries@datagene.com.au or www.datagene.com.au.
DataGene is an initiative of Dairy Australia and the herd improvement industry.