Archive for genetic selection index

CDCB Unveils Net Merit 2025: Updating Dairy Genetic Selection

Net Merit 2025 is set to revolutionize dairy breeding. Launching April 1, 2025, this updated index emphasizes butterfat, feed efficiency, and cow longevity. Discover how these changes could boost your herd’s profitability and shape the future of dairy farming. Are you ready for the next generation of genetics?

Summary:

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) is set to launch Net Merit 2025 on April 1, 2025, introducing significant updates to the genetic selection index for dairy farmers. This revision adjusts trait emphases to reflect current market trends and production realities, with notable changes including increased butterfat production, a greater focus on feed efficiency, and more weight on cow and heifer livability. The update aims to improve cow profitability over generations by combining economic values for 12 individual traits and five composite subindexes into a single value. While the changes are substantial, the high correlation between the 2025 and 2021 indexes suggests stability in genetic evaluations. Dairy farmers are encouraged to consider these updates in their long-term breeding strategies, considering that the index may not perfectly reflect individual farm conditions. Additional specialized indices are available for specific production systems, offering farmers flexibility in aligning genetic selection with their particular market and operational needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) will release Net Merit 2025 to enhance dairy genetic selection based on current market trends.
  • The updated index emphasizes butterfat production and livability while de-emphasizing protein to align with economic changes.
  • Specialized indices, such as Cheese Merit, Fluid Merit, and Grazing Merit, help tailor genetic selection to various production systems.
  • Net Merit provides a long-term strategy for improving dairy cow profitability, emphasizing trends of economically vital traits.
  • Farmers are encouraged to stay informed through USDA resources and industry workshops to incorporate Net Merit into breeding decisions optimally.
Net Merit 2025, dairy breeding, genetic selection index, cow profitability, dairy farming trends

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) will introduce Net Merit 2025, which includes updated genetic selection methods for dairy farmers, on April 1, 2025. This update revises genetic selection for dairy farmers nationwide and adjusts trait emphasis to reflect current market trends and production realities. 

What is Net Merit? 

The Lifetime Net Merit (NM$) index ranks dairy animals based on their combined genetic merit for economically important traits. Net Merit 2025 introduces innovative methods for evaluating traits and economic factors in dairy animals. 

Dr. Paul VanRaden, a Research Geneticist at USDA, highlights Net Merit 2025 as a strategic response to the evolving dairy industry. The update integrates recent economic data and research to assist farmers in breeding more profitable cows.

NM$ combines values of particular traits and subindexes to improve the profitability of cows over multiple generations. 

The Evolution of Net Merit 

First published in 1994 by the USDA’s Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, Net Merit has been routinely updated at three—to four-year intervals. The index weights are based on an economic model that considers incomes and expenses over a dairy cow’s lifetime, using data from public sources when possible. 

Net Merit 2025 is the result of extensive collaboration. The process included: 

  • Initial drafting by USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL) in the summer of 2024
  • Public discussion at the CDCB Industry Meeting during World Dairy Expo
  • Presentation to university experts at the S-1096 Multistate Research Project meeting
  • Review by CDCB’s Genetic Evaluation Methods and Producer Advisory Committees
  • Final approval by the CDCB Board of Directors in December 2024

Key Changes in Net Merit 2025 

Comparison of Trait Weights

The following table shows the expected relative value of economically rooted weights of traits in the revised April 2025 Net Merit $ formula, compared to weights in the current formula:

TraitCurrent NM$April 2025 NM$
Protein19.6%13.0%
Fat28.6%31.8%
Feed Saved12.0%17.8%
Productive Life11.0%8.0%
Cow Livability7.0%8.0%
Udder Composite7.0%7.0%
Fertility6.8%6.8%
Heifer Livability1.3%2.0%

The 2025 revision includes significant changes: 

  • Butterfat Emphasis: The emphasis on butterfat production has increased, aligning with recent price trends. The weight of fat in NM$ has risen from 28.6 to 31.8.
  • Protein De-emphasis: The weight for protein decreased from 19.6 to 13.
  • Livability Focus: Greater emphasis on cow and heifer livability, reflecting higher cull cow and heifer calf prices.
  • Feed Efficiency: More negative emphasis on Body Weight Composite and greater focus on Residual Feed Intake to address feed costs.
  • Minimal Reranking: The 2025 and 2021 NM$ indexes show a high correlation of 0.992 for young Holstein bulls and 0.981 for recent progeny-tested bulls, indicating stability in genetic evaluations.

Customized Selection Indices 

In addition to NM$, CDCB offers three more indices customized for specific dairy operations: Cheese Merit (CM$), Fluid Merit (FM$), and Grazing Merit (GM$). 

  • Cheese Merit (CM$): Tailored for cheese producers, this index emphasizes protein and somatic cell score.
  • Fluid Merit (FM$): Designed for fluid milk producers, focusing on milk volume and butterfat.
  • Grazing Merit (GM$): Optimized for pasture-based systems, prioritizing fertility and adaptability.

These specialized indices allow farmers to align genetic selection with their specific market and production system. 

Applying Net Merit to Your Farm 

While Net Merit is a valuable tool, it may not comprehensively capture each farm’s conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers prioritize evaluating the genetic progress trends for traits most vital to their operations. 

“Rather than focus on one number or another, it’s more helpful to look at the big picture,” suggests VanRaden. “USDA provides the expected genetic progress in each trait from selection on NM$, and it’s better to see if the trends for the traits most important to you are in the desired direction.” 

Long-Term Strategy for Herd Improvement 

Farmers should adopt a long-term perspective when considering Net Merit 2025 to achieve sustainable improvements in their herds. The index has been designed to improve cow profitability over the generations, requiring patience and consistent application. 

Staying Informed 

For the latest information on Net Merit and its applications: 

  1. Review USDA AGIL’s technical document detailing Net Merit calculations.
  2. Watch Paul VanRaden’s PowerPoint presentation, which summarizes changes and provides examples of how genetic values affect a cow’s lifetime profit.
  3. Engage with industry workshops and webinars to stay updated on genetic selection strategies.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Dairy Genetics 

Net Merit 2025 signifies the dairy industry’s dedication to advancement, efficiency, and sustainability beyond an index update. Embracing these tools and staying informed about industry developments can empower dairy farmers to succeed in a constantly evolving market. 

Looking ahead, farmers should actively engage with and adapt to these modifications. How do you plan to incorporate Net Merit 2025 into your breeding decisions? Share your thoughts and join the conversation shaping the future of dairy farming

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EcoFeed® Revolutionizes Dairy Sustainability with 2024 IDF Innovation Award Win

How can EcoFeed® and its IDF Innovation Award win shape the future of your farm’s sustainability?

sustainable dairy farming, EcoFeed program, Feed Conversion Efficiency, IDF Dairy Innovation Awards, methane emissions reduction, genetic selection index, sustainable agriculture practices, dairy industry innovation, environmental impact mitigation, agricultural production efficiency

On October 18th, 2024, at the IDF World Dairy Summit, STgenetics’® EcoFeed® program clinched the prestigious IDF Dairy Innovation Award for Climate Action, underscoring a new era of eco-conscious advancements. This accolade highlights innovative strides in dairy farming, pointing towards a future where reduced emissions and increased profitability coexist. “Innovation stands as a defining trait within the dairy sector, anchoring milk and dairy in the heart of sustainable and healthy nutrition,” remarked Caroline Emond, Director General of the IDF. 

Pioneering Sustainable Pathways: The Role of IDF Dairy Innovation Awards in Catalyzing Global Dairy Progress

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) Dairy Innovation Awards significantly drive progress within the dairy industry. They emphasize the integration of innovative solutions to meet global sustainability goals. These awards drive the sector toward a more sustainable future by recognizing and rewarding groundbreaking practices, processes, and products. Their focus on climate action and environmental efficiency aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering an industry-wide commitment to reducing the environmental footprint while maintaining economic viability. The recognition of the EcoFeed® program at the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Awards is a testament to the program’s contribution to this global mission. 

Unveiling a competitive platform, the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards draw entries from around the world, highlighting their global reach and the diverse innovation landscape within the dairy industry. In 2024, the competition attracted an impressive 173 entries from 26 different countries, a testament to the award’s prestige and the rigorous standards that define it. This level of international participation showcases a shared global commitment among dairy professionals to innovate and implement sustainable practices, underscoring the high regard and aspiration associated with winning an IDF Dairy Innovation Award. Through such recognition, the awards inspire further advancements and encourage the entire dairy community to embrace sustainable development as an integral part of its operations, making each participant feel part of a more significant worldwide movement.

EcoFeed®: Revolutionizing Dairy Farming Through Genetic Innovation

The EcoFeed® program by STgenetics® represents a significant stride in sustainable agriculture, primarily through its groundbreaking approach to enhancing feed efficiency and mitigating environmental impact. Developed over 14 years of rigorous research and encompassing more than 28,000 progeny records, EcoFeed® utilizes a genetic selection index that pinpoints cattle with superior Feed Conversion Efficiency. 

This innovative methodology is designed to identify genetic variations that allow cattle to convert feed into milk and meat more effectively. By optimizing these conversions, EcoFeed® reduces the quantity of feed required and significantly reduces methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. This ecological benefit is directly aligned with sustainable agriculture principles, addressing critical environmental concerns while maintaining economic viability for farmers. 

EcoFeed®’s potential impact on profitability and sustainability underscores its importance. By integrating genetic insights with traditional breeding practices, this program provides a cumulative benefit for farmers, enabling future generations to produce efficiently without compromising resources or the environment. Ultimately, EcoFeed® aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting practices that promote responsible consumption and production, calling for a global shift towards sustainable agricultural processes.

The Core of Modern Dairy: Mastering Feed Conversion Efficiency for Economic and Environmental Gains

Understanding Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) is at the core of modern dairy farming practices, emphasizing the crucial balance between inputs and outputs in agricultural production. Essentially, FCE measures how effectively dairy cattle convert feed into desired outputs like milk and meat. Its importance in dairy farming cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts economic profitability and environmental sustainability. 

For dairy farmers, achieving higher FCE means reduced feed costs—considering feed can constitute over 50% of a farm’s operating expenses—thereby significantly enhancing overall farm profitability. More critically, improved FCE translates into lower methane emissions per unit of milk or meat produced. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas, this reduction is vital for sustainable agriculture and aligning with global climate goals. 

EcoFeed® leverages advanced genetic technologies to identify cattle with superior Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE). This process results from over 14 years of research and genetic data from thousands of progeny. By identifying the specific genetic markers associated with efficient feed conversion, EcoFeed® enables farmers to integrate this index into their breeding decisions. This selection process ensures that future generations of cattle require less feed to produce the same volume of products, ultimately yielding substantial economic savings and environmental benefits. 

By adopting EcoFeed®, farmers can anticipate significant reductions in feed costs—potentially totaling billions across the sector—and a marked decrease in CO2 equivalent emissions, contributing positively to climate action efforts. Such genetic advancements support sustainable agriculture and enhance resilience against fluctuating input prices, ensuring farmers remain competitive in a dynamic market landscape.

EcoFeed® Genetics: Guiding Dairy Into a Future of Sustainability and Economic Viability

EcoFeed® genetics represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and economically viable future for the dairy industry. The potential economic benefits are substantial. By incorporating these genetics into breeding strategies, farmers can significantly enhance feed conversion efficiency, leading to an estimated $3.5 billion in feed cost savings. This comes without sacrificing productivity, making it a practical approach for today’s competitive market and instilling optimism about the future. 

The environmental advantages are equally compelling. Leveraging top-tier EcoFeed® sires and dams to produce the next generation of dairy females could reduce CO2 emissions by more than 23 million tons over their lifetimes. This reduction underscores the role of genetic advancements in combating climate change, making the audience feel empowered about their contribution to this global issue. It aligns with future regulatory demands for lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. 

The emphasis on sustainability through genetic improvement is more than a forward-thinking strategy; it is fast becoming necessary in an industry under increasing pressure to minimize its carbon footprint. As farmers adopt EcoFeed®genetics, they can enjoy lower operating costs and enhanced environmental credentials, securing both economic success and social responsibility. 

The Bottom Line

STgenetics’ EcoFeed® program’s recognition at the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Awards underscores the program’s critical role in shaping a more sustainable and economically viable future for the dairy industry. By enhancing Feed Conversion Efficiency and reducing methane emissions, EcoFeed® provides a groundbreaking solution that aligns profitability with environmental stewardship. With the global dairy sector under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, innovations like EcoFeed® offer a beacon for progress. As we look to the future, dairy professionals must consider the transformative potential of integrating such genetic advancements into their practices. We invite you to reflect on the evolving landscape of dairy farming and share your insights, challenges, and experiences in developing sustainable dairy practices. Your engagement could pave the way for further innovations in this vital industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • EcoFeed® by STgenetics® has won the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Award for Climate Action, illustrating its pivotal role in promoting sustainable dairy farming.
  • The program focuses on enhancing feed conversion efficiency and reducing feed costs and methane emissions in dairy production.
  • EcoFeed® offers a genetic selection index to breed cattle that require less feed, produce fewer emissions, and improve profitability without compromising productivity.
  • The initiative aligns with global sustainability goals and responds to increasing regulatory and consumer demands for environmentally friendly farming practices.
  • If top-performing EcoFeed® sires and dams are utilized, the dairy industry could see significant economic and environmental benefits.
  • Programs like EcoFeed® highlight the potential for genetic advancements to create a sustainable future for the dairy industry.

Summary:

STgenetics’ EcoFeed® program has clinched the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Award for Climate Action, marking a significant stride towards sustainable dairy farming. Recognized at the IDF World Dairy Summit, the program underscores the vital role of sustainability and efficiency in the industry. Developed over 14 years, EcoFeed® leverages a genetic selection index to enhance Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), aiming to save billions in feed costs while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. By identifying cattle that produce more with less, the program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, paving the way for profitability intertwined with ecological responsibility. Dr. Jocelyn Johnson notes, “EcoFeed® genetics are perfect for you, cows, and the planet.” Such innovations are pivotal as the dairy sector addresses environmental challenges.

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