Capture the Most Genetic Progress with Genomic-Proven Bulls
By Angie Coburn, Dairy Procurement Manager
Numerous industry studies have demonstrated stability in the proofs of genomic-proven bulls. Since we can predict genetic rank with good accuracy at a young age, it's time to challenge the traditional use of young sires as low-cost or last resort service sires.
Are genomic proven bulls the best genetic option for genetic progress? When determining what semen to purchase, dairy producers can choose from 916 Holstein bulls industry-wide. The choices are abundant and vary greatly by genetic level. A.I. studs began offering genomic-proven bulls in January 2009. Producers who took advantage of using genomic-proven bulls as service sires took a leap forward in genetic progress.
The following tables list the top 20 genomic-proven and the top 20 progeny-proven bulls on the January 2009 Genex active lineup. Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) PTAs for January 2009 and January 2010 are shown, along with the change in PTA from one year to the next. Adjustments for the base change have been made, but not for the LNM formula revisions. For all practical purposes, customers have to make the decision to use a bull with the information available at that time. The table demonstrates that using the genomic-proven bulls as service sires offered considerable genetic advantage over using only progeny-proven bulls.
The genomic-proven group averaged +$149 Lifetime Net Merit in 2009 when compared with the progeny-proven group and was still +$123 greater in 2010. This advantage equals about three years of traditional genetic gain. A considerable amount of time has been spent assessing how much average change can be expected with genomic-proven bulls when they receive progeny proofs. Genex studies have documented average change estimates of approximately -$75 LNM (see Daughter Data Shows Stability) for a complete analysis).
By using younger genomic-proven bulls with high PTAs as service sires, a herd can make greater genetic progress that exceeds the risk of change. It should not be forgotten that proofs for progeny-proven bulls can also change as more data is available or new trait calculations are used. Furthermore, estimation of genomic breeding values will be even more accurate as the system continues to be refined. Regardless of why bulls' proofs change or by how much, using genomic-proven bulls in a breeding program leads to greater genetic progress.
This type of comparison is not meant to discredit the use of high-ranking progeny bulls. However, customers who purchased genomic-proven bulls last year had the opportunity to use bulls of a considerably higher genetic level, and have calves already born sired by bulls like 1HO08784 FREDDIE and 1HO09040 CAVANA. The long-held breeding philosophy of using the highest ranking bulls for the greatest genetic gain still applies. Let the genetic rank of a bull determine if you use him, and then use reliability levels to determine how much.
So let's go back to the point made in the first paragraph. It's time to remove the phrase "young sire" from our vocabulary and change the way we use younger bulls. High-ranking genomic-proven bulls are like heifers, they represent the best genetic potential for your herd. Make the most of the genetic opportunity. Genomic-proven bulls are up to the challenge.
