Look Who is Getting a Good Grade!
By: Roy Wilson, AVP-National Accounts, Genex
Three years ago genomics was the new kid in the classroom. Over these past three years, there have been hundreds of articles written on genomics, it has been the hot agenda item for conferences and it has been the topic of countless one-on-one debates in barns, parlors and offices. Well, it is time to take a look at genomics' report card.
In January 2009 at the time of the public release of genomic-proven bulls throughout the industry, Genex activated 34 Holstein bulls based solely on their genomic predicted transmitting abilities (PTAs). At that time, Genex also made the decision to list those genomic-proven bulls right alongside the daughter-proven bulls on the website and investment guide and priced the bulls based on their genomic genetic value. It was exciting times as Genex demonstrated confidence in this new revolutionary technology and led the industry through uncharted waters.
Three years later, these 34 bulls are now daughter-proven. They average 149 milking daughters and 66 classified daughters each. Those daughter numbers earned the bulls reliability levels that dairy owners have traditionally had significant confidence in. Take a look at the following table (1) and consider the average genetic change we have observed in this group of 34 bulls since January 2009.
Although this first class of genomic- to daughter-proven sires receives an impressive grade A, we wanted to broaden our analysis. The following table (2) demonstrates the same type of summary across the entire artificial insemination industry. Over 2,400 genomic bulls are represented. On average, each now has 104 milking daughters.
These two tables, with the thousands of bulls behind the data, show the revolutionary genomic technology has earned straight As on its report card. Genomics, now three years old, will continue to prove itself. It will continue to stretch our thinking on what is possible. It will continue to influence how we do things at Genex and how you operate on your farm.
Posted December 2011
