80 likes | 90 Views
Daughter Proven or Genomic Bulls?. Daughter Proven or Genomic Bulls?. Comparison based on bulls from the ICBF Active Bull List 2011. Farmer A. Sticking with daughter proven bulls
E N D
Daughter Proven or Genomic Bulls? • Comparison based on bulls from the ICBF Active Bull List 2011. • Farmer A. Sticking with daughter proven bulls • Selection criterion. Daughter proven bulls only, min EBI rel of 70%, a team of 7, with a minimum of 4 different sires in the team. Picking highest EBI bulls from the list based on these criterion. • Farmer B. Opting for the new genomic sires. • Selection criterion. Genomic bulls only, Irish bred, a team of 7, with a minimum of 4 different sires in the team. Picking highest EBI bulls from the list based on these criterion. • What has been the outcome 6 years later?
No change in ave EBI proofs for the team of GS bulls, although some bulls moved a lot. No change in ave EBI proofs for the team of DP bulls, although some bulls moved a lot.
Comparison EBI Old & New • GS bulls still rank higher than DP bulls. • Some bulls moved a lot • GYR, a GS bulls that increased (+6 in rank). • TKY, a DP bull that increased (+7 in rank). • SOK, a GS bull that decreased (-5 in rank). • GVV a DP bull that decreased (-5 in rank). • Average of TEAM of bulls stayed the same.
Comparison Performance. • Based on breeding decisions taken from 2011 ICBF Active Bull List. • Took all heifer calves born in 2012 from the 14 sires (i.e., 7 Genomic and 7 Daughter Proven bulls) and compared their subsequent performance in terms of milk solids and fertility. • If the “science” is correct, then average progeny from the 7 Genomic bulls should be better than the 7 Daughter Proven bulls. • Expect to be better by, on average, €52/lactation, with most of this coming from fertility.
Progeny Performance for DP & GS bulls. • Progeny of the 7 GE bulls had better female fertility and milk solids output over their life-time to date. • Most of the improvement in milk solids was due to better fertility performance – as per initial genetic differences. • Equivalent to €50+/lactation, as per EBI difference.
Summary of Validation Work. • Very simple comparison, but reflects completely how farmers would validate whether genomics is working on their farms. • Very clear evidence that genomics is; • Identifying the best AI bulls. • Delivering more profit for farmers. • €50 difference between GS and DP bulls is maintained over time (2011 versus 2017). • Significant shifts for some bulls (+/- €50 in a sample of 14 bulls (even DP bulls!) = > highlights need for TEAMS of bulls.