Data-Driven Breeding: Using Genomics and Records to Make Better Sire Selection Decisions

# Data-Driven Breeding: Using Genomics and Records to Make Better Sire Selection Decisions Modern dairy breeding has evolved from visual appraisal to sophisticated data analysis. Farms using data-driven breeding make faster genetic progress while reducing costs and avoiding expensive mistakes. ## Understanding Genetic Selection Tools ### Net Merit (NM$) **The gold standard economic index** **What it measures:** - Lifetime profit potential combining all traits - Production (milk, fat, protein) - Health and fertility - Longevity and cow livability **Current top bulls:** NM$ values of $900-1,100 **Average genetics:** NM$ around $400-500 **Value interpretation:** Each $100 difference in NM$ = approximately $100 more lifetime profit per daughter. ### Genomic Predicted Transmitting Abilities (GPTA) **Individual trait predictions** **Key production traits:** - Milk (lbs): Target +800 to +1,500 - Fat (lbs): Target +40 to +80 - Protein (lbs): Target +30 to +60 **Functional traits:** - Productive Life (PL): Target +4.0 to +7.0 - Somatic Cell Score (SCS): Target 2.70 or lower - Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR): Target +1.5 to +3.0 ### Reliability Values **Confidence in genetic predictions** - **Under 50%**: Young genomic bulls, higher risk - **50-70%**: Genomic tested with some daughters - **70-85%**: Proven bulls with daughter data - **85%+**: Heavily proven, most reliable **Strategy:** Balance genetic merit with reliability based on cow value. ## Creating a Breeding Plan by Cow Segment ### Top 25% of Herd **Goal:** Maximum genetic progress **Sire selection criteria:** - Top 10% NM$ bulls ($1,000+) - Reliability 60%+ acceptable - Focus on genomic young sires - Don't fear using same top sire on multiple cows **Expected outcome:** Heifer calves worth $2,000-2,500, top genetic potential ### Middle 50% of Herd **Goal:** Balanced progress and reliability **Sire selection criteria:** - Bulls in top 25% NM$ ($800-1,000) - Reliability 65-75% - Proven genomic sires with daughter data - Consider type and conformation **Expected outcome:** Solid replacement heifers, good market value ### Bottom 25% of Herd **Goal:** Avoid raising low-value heifers **Strategy:** - Use sexed semen only on top 75% - Use beef semen on bottom 25% - Jersey crossbred semen for culls - Eliminate raising heifers from poorest genetics **Economic impact:** Save $1,200-1,800 per calf not raised from bottom genetics ## Genomic Testing for Breeding Decisions ### Testing Your Heifers **Investment:** $60-80 per test **Decision timeline:** - Test heifer calves at 3-6 months old - Receive results in 3-4 weeks - Cull bottom 20-30% before breeding age - Saves $800-1,200 per calf not raised **ROI calculation (100 heifer calves tested):** - Testing cost: $7,000 - Eliminate 25 poorest genetics: 25 × $1,000 = $25,000 saved - Net benefit: $18,000/year - ROI: 257% ### Testing Your Cows **Investment:** $40-50 per test for adult cows **Use cases:** - Cows with unknown pedigrees - Purchased animals without genomics - Verification of registration accuracy (5-8% error rate) **Value:** Correct mate selection adds $50-100 per pregnancy ## Mating Strategies for Maximum Progress ### Avoiding Inbreeding **Critical thresholds:** - **Under 3% inbreeding**: No concern - **3-6% inbreeding**: Monitor, acceptable for exceptional matings - **Over 6% inbreeding**: Significant risk of reduced fertility and health **Tools:** Most breeding software auto-calculates inbreeding coefficients **Best practice:** Aim for less than 3% across all matings ### Corrective Mating **Improving type through sire selection** **Common corrections needed:** **For cows with weak udders:** - Select sires with Udder Composite (UDC) +2.0 or higher - Prioritize Rear Udder Height and Udder Depth **For cows with poor feet:** - Select sires with Feet & Legs Composite (FLC) +2.0+ - Focus on Rear Leg Side View trait **For small frame cows:** - Use sires with Stature +1.5 to +2.5 - Monitor Strength and Dairy Form ### Complementary Mating **Balancing strengths and weaknesses** **Example:** - Cow: High production, poor fertility (DPR -1.5) - Sire choice: Moderate production, excellent fertility (DPR +2.5) - Expected daughter: Strong production with improved fertility ## Sire Cost Considerations ### Conventional Semen Economics **Typical pricing:** - Top genomic young sires: $18-35/dose - Proven popular bulls: $12-25/dose - Older proven bulls: $6-15/dose - Average market bulls: $8-12/dose **Conception rate impact:** - Premium semen from top studs: 35-40% first service - Average semen: 30-35% first service - Cost per pregnancy often similar despite price differences ### Sexed Semen Strategy **Economics:** $35-50/dose for sexed vs. $12-25 conventional **Best use on:** - First lactation heifers (highest conception rates) - Top genetic cows - Animals with high pregnancy rates **Expected results:** - 90% female calves vs. 50% with conventional - 10-15% lower conception rate vs. conventional - Cost per heifer calf: $180-250 vs. $100-150 conventional **ROI:** Justified for top 40-60% of herd ### Custom Semen Programs **Volume discounts available** - 100+ unit purchases: 10-15% discount - Exclusive stud contracts: 15-25% discount - Young sire programs: 30-50% discount (higher risk) **Consider for:** Herds breeding 200+ cows/year ## Tracking Breeding Performance ### Key Metrics to Monitor **Conception rates by sire:** - Benchmark: 35-40% first service in heifers - Benchmark: 28-35% first service in cows - Flag sires below 25% for investigation **Days to conception:** - Target: Under 120 days in milk - Track by sire to identify fertility differences **Actual progeny performance:** - Do daughters match predicted genetics? - Verification builds confidence in predictions ### Adjusting Strategy Based on Results **If conception rates are low:** - Evaluate semen handling procedures - Check breeding technician technique - Consider sire fertility issues (use SCR data if available) **If daughter performance disappoints:** - Verify sire identity (incorrect labels rare but possible) - Check if reliability was too low - Adjust future strategy toward proven sires ## Common Breeding Mistakes ### Mistake #1: Using Same Sire on Entire Herd **Problem:** Misses opportunity for customized genetics, increases inbreeding risk **Fix:** Use 8-12 different sires across herd, matched to cow segments ### Mistake #2: Chasing Individual Traits **Problem:** Focusing only on milk or type ignores economic balance **Fix:** Use Net Merit as primary index, then refine with specific needs ### Mistake #3: Ignoring Genomic Testing ROI **Problem:** Raising heifers from worst genetics wastes $800-1,200 each **Fix:** Test all heifer calves, cull bottom 20-30% before breeding age ### Mistake #4: Overvaluing Pedigree Names **Problem:** Famous name doesn't guarantee genetic superiority **Fix:** Compare actual genomic values, not pedigrees or show records ### Mistake #5: Not Using Sexed Semen Strategically **Problem:** Either never using sexed (missing opportunity) or using on everything (wasting money on poor genetics) **Fix:** Use sexed on top 50% of genetics only ## Advanced Strategies for Genetic Progress ### Using Young Genomic Sires **Higher risk, higher reward approach** **Pros:** - Access to latest genetics (2-3 years ahead) - Often lower cost - Maximum genetic progress potential **Cons:** - Lower reliability (45-60%) - Some bulls won't prove out - Higher variation in daughters **Recommended allocation:** 15-30% of breedings to young genomics if willing to accept risk ### Custom Young Sire Programs **Accelerated progress for elite herds** **How it works:** - AI stud provides semen at 40-60% discount - Farm agrees to collect daughter data - Shares in revenue if sire becomes popular **Requirements:** - Excellent herd management - Strong record-keeping - 300+ cow minimum usually **Benefits:** Access to best genetics at lowest cost ### Rotational Crossbreeding Systems **Alternative to pure breeding** **Common rotation:** - Holstein → Jersey → Holstein-Jersey cross - Or Holstein → Montbeliarde → Viking Red **Advantages:** - Heterosis (hybrid vigor): 3-8% production boost - Improved fertility and health - Better grazing efficiency - Reduced inbreeding concerns **Disadvantages:** - More complex management - Market discounts for crossbred animals - Less predictable genetics **Best for:** Grazing operations, organic farms, herds with fertility challenges ## Building Long-Term Genetic Strategy **Year 1-2: Establish baseline** - Genomic test entire herd - Identify top 40% genetics - Begin using sexed semen on best animals - Collect daughter performance data **Year 3-4: Accelerate progress** - Use only top 20% sires - Cull bottom 30% of heifer calves pre-breeding - Introduce young genomics on top cows - Measure actual genetic gain **Year 5+: Maintain momentum** - Continuous genomic testing - Increasingly selective breeding - Consider marketing top genetics - Track cumulative genetic progress **Expected progress:** $80-120 Net Merit gain per year using this approach ## Conclusion Data-driven breeding transforms dairy operations by replacing guesswork with scientific precision. Genomic testing allows you to identify and breed only your best genetics, while Net Merit indexes help select sires that maximize lifetime profit. Implement a tiered breeding strategy using the best sires on your top cows, sexed semen to control heifer supply, and beef semen on your poorest genetics. Track results and continuously refine your approach. Farms following this strategy typically achieve genetic progress 2-3 times faster than random mate assignments while reducing replacement costs.