A proposal to develop a single evaluation breeding index for New Zealand which was launched by industry organisation, DairyNZ, has been criticised by a major co-op.
The Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) – an agri-tech and herd improvement co-op – claims there is “there’s a lack of evidence” to support the proposal.
DairyNZ, through New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) wants to improve breeding worth by creating one animal evaluation index to “ensure” dairy farmers “remain internationally competitive”.
Their proposal outlined that “better herds mean better farm performance and higher profits for farmers”.
“In New Zealand, slow uptake of genomic selection and young sires has meant that our herds have lagged behind our international competitors over the last ten years,” the report stated.
LIC responds to proposal
DairyNZ said the unified system would improve data quality and access however LIC has stated that they “do not endorse the proposal that has been suggested.”
In a letter to LIC shareholders, chief executive David Chin, said that LIC agrees with the principle for a single index, but does not agree with the value it would unlock for New Zealand dairy farmers.
Chin said:”There’s a lack of evidence that there will be value returned to the industry from the model.
“Long-term users of LIC genetics have almost doubled the rate of genetic gain in their herds over the last 10 years, now at 18gBW (Geonimic Breed Worth) per annum.
“This surpasses the industry average of 10BW, as stated by DairyNZ. In fact, we have already surpassed the DairyNZ proposal’s goal of 15BW.”
Consultation
DairyNZ is currently running a consultation on its proposal to give the public an opportunity to put forward their views on it.
DairyNZ the consultation will focus on finding out from farmers what principles would be important in designing a successful system and is it important for farmers to have a transparent, industry good animal evaluation solution.
Meanwhile LIC has said it will also submit a response to the proposal and share it with the public before the consultation period ends.
