Confident breeding decisions made easy
THERE are a lot of uncertainties in dairy farming at the moment but breeding doesn’t need to be one.
Making the right genetic choice continues to be a simple and objective decision for dairy farmers thanks to DataGene’s Good Bulls Guide, with the latest edition published this week.
As the tool of choice for dairy farmers wanting to improve their herds, since 2010 the Good Bulls Guide has showcased the best genetics for Australian dairy farmers, made breeding choices simpler and enabled them to choose bulls that tick the boxes for all the important on-farm profit drivers.
DataGene Stakeholder Relations Specialist, Peter Thurn, said the Good Bulls Guide simplifies the marketplace by providing an objective comparison of bulls using the Balanced Performance Index (BPI), Health Weighted Index (HWI) and Sustainability Index (SI).
“Choosing a high BPI Good Bull is the most popular way farmers choose their genetics and it’s not surprising because daughters of high BPI bulls perform better under Australian conditions,” he said.
The Good Bulls Guide makes it easy for farmers to identify high genetic merit bulls that meet their breeding priorities.
“DataGene projects such as “Improving Herds” and “Feeding the Genes” have demonstrated the advantage and benefit to the farm’s bottom line by using Good Bulls.
“The Good Bulls Guide only displays the better bulls in each breed, but in saying that, there are still hundreds of high-quality bulls to choose from. To qualify, bulls must meet DataGene’s minimum criteria for Balanced Performance Index and be available for purchase.
This April’s Good Bulls Guide has 550 Holsteins, 134 Jerseys and 35 Reds, giving farmers plenty choice for priority traits, preferred supplier and budget.
The Good Bulls logo is a trusted DataGene symbol of genetic objectivity and quality. It is displayed on qualifying bulls on DataVat.com.au, the Good Bulls App and many herd improvement businesses include it in catalogues.
Mr Thurn described the Good Bulls App as a great tool for those looking for genetic information on the run.
“Easily downloaded from the App store, the Good Bulls App allows farmers to filter bulls based on their needs and preferences,” he said.
“This filtering process enables farmers to create their own specialised short list to inform genetic purchasing decisions. The list can be sent to a semen reseller, giving farmers greater control and understanding of their breeding destiny.”
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.