Holstein genetic gain increases throughout 2019

The December proof release sees Ivyhurst Wrangler Mystery 6194 join Coomboona Rambo Bliss-IMP-ET and Vala Bandares Boliana-ET at the top of the list for all genomic females irrespective of age on 398 BPI, with Purnim Moneyman Shasnah CS4524-ET (393 BPI) now at number four despite a 7 point increase in BPI month-on-month.

Topping the list of the best young females with their first genomic breeding value is Wilara Jeronimo Lollie-CNF-DPF-XIF-BLF-PO (374 BPI), one of six Wilara Holsteins animals in the top twenty. Bundalong Freeborn Einstein Miri-3831-ET-CNF-DPF-XIF-BLF and Bundalong Jeronimo Denim 3807-CNF-DPX-XIF-BLF (356 BPI), two of eight Bundalong Holsteins animals in the top twenty, fill the next two spots.

Looking back over the 2019 proof runs, it is evident that the rate of genetic gain in Australian Holsteins is continuing.

In January 2019 the average BPI of the top twenty genomic females irrespective of age (which included the 434 BPI outlier Vala Quantum Nady-IMP-ET) was 360 BPI. This month, with a spread of just 36 BPI between the number one and number twenty on this list, the average is 376 BPI, some 16 points higher.

It is a similar story for the top twenty new genomics list, with the January and December averages being 314 BPI v 331 BPI, a 17 point increase, and a spread from top to bottom of 69 BPI in December compared to 78 BPI back in January.

Holstein Australia CEO, Graeme Gillan, says: “We are getting a lot more consistency, with the gap between number one and twenty on these lists closing up. We also know that in member herds the difference between their top and bottom cows is also narrowing.

“This is a real testament to our members who are utilising the tools at their disposal to make the right informed breeding decisions. Many of them are reaping the rewards of these decisions, as is the Holstein breed in Australia.

“Looking back over the last 12 months it is also very clear that the impact of the use of high genetic merit animals can no longer be called into question. This month, as in almost every month this year, we’ve got high genetic merit sires mated to strong cow families.”

Click on the highlighted text to download the December Top 20 Genomic Females and Top 20 New Genomic Females lists plus the list of Top Young Since 31-8-2018.