Archive Article: 1999/05/14
Booklet to profit
MOST commercial dairy herds can increase profits by improving use of genetic information with the help of a new guide published by Holstein UK and Ireland.
HUKI says that many herds are making use of genetic information to improve performance, but not making best use of sire information and failing to use cow genetic information in breeding and management.
It says that bulls should be selected on the combination of production and type traits needed for the herd, rather than relying on tools such as PIN and PLI.
Many herds would also benefit by breeding replacements from cows with the highest genetic value, says HUKI.
Copies of Using Genetic Information to Improve Commercial Herd Profitability are free to HUKI members and cost £10 to non-members (01923-494600, fax 01923-770003).