Why are Irish dairy farmers stopping investments? What does this mean for the future of dairy farming in Ireland? Find out here.
Summary: Irish dairy farmers face a tough climate, with low confidence affecting dairy sector investment. Weather events and market conditions contribute to hesitancy. Social media reactions, like those from Lee in Darlington, highlight consumer concerns over dairy consumption. Despite these challenges, family-driven farms demonstrate resilience, balancing tradition with modern demands. Low market confidence and volatility have led to a stall in investment. The unstable economic situation, including fluctuating milk prices and rising costs, has made farmers hesitant to invest. A poll by the Irish Producers Journal found over 60% of dairy producers have postponed or canceled investments due to uncertainty. Farmers in County Cork are particularly worried about long-term impacts. Without new investments, farms may struggle to maintain production and efficiency, decreasing milk output and affecting the supply chain. Lack of investment in sustainable techniques may hinder environmental progress in dairy production. Experts call for immediate government action and financial incentives to restore confidence and encourage investment.
Irish dairy farmers are currently experiencing low confidence in the dairy sector, halting key investments.
Weather events and market conditions significantly contribute to this investment hesitancy.
Social media backlash from consumers is impacting dairy consumption and farmer sentiment.
Despite the challenges, many family-driven farms are showing resilience due to their balance of tradition with modern demands.
Over 60% of dairy producers have postponed or canceled their investments due to economic uncertainties, as per a poll by the Irish Producers Journal.
Farmers in County Cork are particularly worried about the long-term impacts of stalled investments on production and efficiency.
Lack of investment in sustainable farming techniques could hinder progress in environmentally-friendly dairy production.
Experts are calling for immediate government action and financial incentives to restore investment confidence.
Irish dairy producers are struggling as poor market confidence has slowed investment. This troubling trend severely influences the dairy business, leaving many farmers concerned about the future. The situation deteriorated in 2023 due to economic difficulties and market volatility, making it difficult for farmers to commit to new company investments.
The primary reason for this pause in investments is the unstable economic situation, which includes changing milk prices and rising feed and equipment expenses. Dairy producers fail to forecast future revenues, prompting a more conservative expenditure strategy. According to a recent poll conducted by the Irish Producers Journal, more than 60% of dairy producers have postponed or canceled planned investments due to this uncertainty.
A dairy farmer from County Cork shared his concerns: “We used to invest in new technology and equipment regularly to be competitive, but it’s now too hazardous. The market’s instability has rendered it unaffordable. Many in the sector are concerned about the long-term effects of discontinuing investing.
Tom O’Leary, a dairy farmer in County Cork, highlighted his concerns: “We used to update our technology and equipment every few years to stay up, but it’s now too hazardous. “The market’s uncertainty is simply too high.” Farmers are particularly concerned about the long-term consequences of discontinuing investments.
The scope of this situation is vast. Without new investments, farms may struggle to maintain production and efficiency levels. This might decrease milk output, impacting the whole supply chain, from processors to merchants. Furthermore, a lack of investment in sustainable techniques may hinder attempts to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production.
Experts are advocating immediate action to address this issue. They believe government assistance and financial incentives might restore trust and encourage farmers to invest in their enterprises. ‘A concerted effort is needed to stabilize the market and provide farmers with the tools they need to flourish,’ said Dr. John Murphy, an agricultural economist from University College Dublin.
To summarize, the present situation in the Irish dairy business requires a quick response. The stop in farmer investments reflects deeper economic issues that must be addressed for the dairy industry to survive. As the sector confronts these problematic circumstances, coordination among stakeholders is critical in developing ways to assist farmers and ensure the future of Irish dairy farming.
Learn why EU dairy production is expected to drop due to policy changes and new trade agreements. Will cheese production continue to grow while other dairy products decline?
Milk output is predicted to decrease from 149.3 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 148.9 MMT this year. Dairy professionals must understand these changes and their ramifications. This minor decrease is more than simply a figure; it represents more profound industry shifts impacted by rules on cow numbers and milk production efficiency. These developments are not isolated; they are part of a more significant revolution fueled by legislative shifts, economic constraints, and environmental obligations. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and EU Green Deal programs influence farm economics and production decisions.
Meanwhile, regulations such as the Autonomous Trade Regulation, enacted in reaction to geopolitical crises, can affect feed pricing and supply. Understanding these factors is essential for grasping opportunities in the face of change. Join us as we discuss these critical problems facing the dairy business.
Product
Production in 2023 (mmt)
Production in 2024 (mmt)
% Change
Milk
149.3
148.9
-0.3%
Cheese
10.56
10.62
+0.6%
Butter
2.35
2.30
-2.1%
Non-Fat Dry Milk (NFDM)
1.72
1.62
-5.8%
Whole Milk Powder (WMP)
1.28
1.23
-3.9%
The Intricate Weave of Policies Shaping the EU Dairy Sector
The complex web of rules in the European Union is transforming the dairy industry. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU Green Deal are at the forefront of this transition. Revisions to the CAP, spurred by farmer protests in early 2024, are changing output incentives and operational standards. While these modifications improve sustainability, they also constrain dairy producers’ ability to keep or grow cow numbers. Parallel to the CAP, the EU Green Deal aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly affecting cattle production. The Green Deal’s provisions for reducing animal numbers to decrease methane emissions have resulted in smaller dairy herds. According to an impartial analysis, these climatic objectives would reduce cattle productivity by 10-15%. 2024 EU milk output is predicted to fall from 149.3 million metric tons by 2023 to 148.9 million. This emphasizes the difficulty of reconciling sustainability with the economic realities of dairy production. As the industry navigates these constraints, regulatory compliance and production sustainability will determine the future of EU dairy. This interaction between policy and production necessitates reconsidering how agricultural and environmental objectives might promote ecological and economic sustainability.
USDA GAIN Report Signals Minor Dip in EU Milk Production Amid Policy-Induced Shifts
According to the USDA GAIN research, EU milk production is expected to fall slightly, from 149.3 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 148.9 million metric tonnes in 2024, owing to regulations impacting cow numbers and milk yield. The research also anticipates a 0.3% decrease in industry usage consumption. While cheese output is forecast to increase by 0.6% to 10.62 million metric tons, other essential dairy products will likely fall. Butter is expected to decline by 2.1%, nonfat dry milk by 5.8%, and whole milk powder by 3.9%, underscoring the industry’s more significant issues and adjustments.
Cheese Production: The Cornerstone of the EU Dairy Processing Industry
The EU dairy processing business relies heavily on cheese production to meet high consumer demand in Europe and beyond. Cheese, deeply rooted in European culinary traditions, is a household staple in various foods. Its extended shelf life compared to fresh dairy products offers logistical advantages for both local and international commerce. Cheese’s versatility, ranging from high-value aged sorts to mass-market variants, enables manufacturers to access a broader market segment, enhancing profitability.
Cheese manufacturing is consistent with the EU’s aims of sustainability and quality. The procedure allows for more effective milk consumption, and byproducts such as whey may be utilized in other industries, minimizing waste. Cheese manufacturing supports many SMEs throughout the EU, boosting rural employment and community development.
EU-27 cheese output is expected to reach 10.62 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024, up 0.6% from 2023. This rise not only indicates strong market demand but also underscores the importance of cheese in the EU dairy sector’s strategy. The predicted growth in cheese exports and domestic consumption provides confidence in the industry’s direction and its ability to meet market demands.
Declining Butter, NFDM, and WMP Production Amid Strategic Shifts
Butter, nonfat dry milk (NFDM), and whole milk powder (WMP) output are expected to fall by 2.1%, 5.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, reflecting more significant developments in the EU dairy industry. These decreases indicate a purposeful shift toward cheese manufacturing, prompted by market needs and legislative constraints. Reduced butter output may impact local markets and exports, possibly raising prices. Similarly, reducing NFDM and WMP output may affect sectors like baking and confectionery, requiring supply chain modifications and altering global trade balances. These modifications may also reflect the EU Green Deal and amended Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) ideas. Prioritizing cheese production, which generates greater economic returns and corresponds to current consumer trends, is a practical technique. However, this move may jeopardize dairy industry sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the need for continual innovation. The reduction in production in these dairy divisions influences global economic dynamics, trade ties, and market competitiveness. Adapting to these developments necessitates balancing quality standards, environmental compliance, and shifting customer choices that prioritize animal care and sustainability.
A Promising Trajectory for Cheese Exports and Domestic Consumption
Forecasts for the rest of 2024 indicate a robust trend for EU cheese exports and domestic consumption. This expansion is driven by strategic export efforts and shifting consumer tastes, with cheese remaining fundamental to the EU’s dairy industry. Domestically, cheese is becoming a household staple, reflecting more excellent animal welfare standards and sustainable techniques. On the export front, free trade agreements and market liberalization, particularly after Brexit, create new opportunities for EU dairy goods. Cheese output is expected to exceed 10.62 million metric tons, demonstrating the sector’s flexibility and relevance in supplying local and international demand. As cheese exports increase, the EU may improve its market position by employing quality assurance and international certifications. Increased demand is anticipated to encourage more innovation and efficiency in the business, keeping the EU dairy market competitive globally.
Striking a Balance: Navigating Strains and Sustainability in EU Dairy Policies
Stringent rules under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU Green Deal provide considerable hurdles to the EU dairy industry. Due to these rules, dairy producers suffer financial constraints, which require expensive investments in sustainable techniques without corresponding financial assistance. The Green Deal’s decrease in greenhouse gas emissions necessitates costly modifications to agricultural operations, such as improved manure management systems, methane-reducing feed additives, and renewable energy investments. These financial pressures are exacerbated by market uncertainty, making farmers’ livelihoods more vulnerable.
Farmers claim that the CAP’s emphasis on lowering animal numbers to fulfill environmental standards jeopardizes the profitability of dairy farming, especially for small, family-run farms that need more resources to make required improvements. The emotional toll on these families, many of whom have been in business for decades, complicates the situation. Furthermore, there is a notion that these policies ignore regional agricultural traditions and the diverse effects of environmental rules between EU member states.
In reaction to major farmer protests in March 2024, the EU Commission has proposed CAP reforms that aim to strike a balance between environmental aims and economic viability. These include excellent financial help for sustainable activities, such as grants and low-interest loans for environmentally friendly technologies, and flexible objectives considering regional variances. The reformed CAP also aims to increase farmer involvement in policymaking, ensuring that future policies are anchored in reality. By addressing these challenges, the EU hopes to build a dairy industry that is robust, sustainable, and economically viable.
The EU Green Deal: A Pivotal Force Driving Environmental Transformation in the Dairy Sector
The EU Green Deal seeks to align the European Union with ambitious climate targets, emphasizing changing the agriculture sector, particularly dairy. This effort focuses on lowering carbon footprints via severe laws and incentive schemes. According to external research, meeting these criteria might result in a 10-15% drop in livestock numbers. The larger context of sustainable agriculture needs a balance between economic vitality and environmental purity. The EU Green Deal requires the dairy industry to embrace more organic and pasture-based systems, shifting away from intensive feeding techniques. This change has implications for farms and supply networks, altering feed pricing and logistics. The EU’s commitment to mitigating climate change via the Green Deal presents difficulties and possibilities for the dairy sector, encouraging new practices and changing established production models.
The Double-Edged Sword of EU Free Trade Agreements: Navigating Dairy Market Dynamics
The EU’s free trade agreements are critical to the survival of the dairy industry, bringing both possibilities and problems. These agreements seek to increase the worldwide competitiveness of EU dairy products by creating new markets and lowering tariffs. However, they also need a delicate balance to safeguard indigenous companies from international competition, often resulting in strategic industry reforms.
These trade agreements prioritize quality assurance and respect for international standards. Upholding tight quality standards and acquiring worldwide certifications help EU dairy products retain a robust global image, allowing for easier market access. Furthermore, the EU’s dedication to environmental and sustainability requirements demonstrates its dual emphasis on economic development and environmental stewardship.
The Autonomous Trade Measures Regulation (ATM), implemented in reaction to geopolitical concerns such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, influences the dairy industry by influencing feed pricing and availability. This, in turn, affects EU dairy producers’ production costs and tactics. As trade agreements change, the EU dairy industry must remain agile and resilient, using logistical knowledge and environmental stewardship to manage obstacles and capitalize on global possibilities.
The Ripple Effect of ATM: Strategic Imperatives for EU Dairy in a Tenuous Global Landscape
The Autonomous Trade Measures Regulation (ATM), adopted in June 2022, was a direct reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This program temporarily attempted to liberalize trade for a restricted group of Ukrainian goods. This strategy has significant repercussions for the EU dairy business, notably regarding feed pricing and availability. The entry of Ukrainian agricultural goods has the potential to stabilize or lower feed prices, easing the burden on EU dairy producers facing growing production costs and severe environmental rules like the EU Green Deal.
The cheaper feed may assist in alleviating economic constraints and encourage farmers to maintain or slightly improve the milk supply. However, this optimistic forecast is tempered by persisting geopolitical uncertainty that jeopardizes continuous trade flows from Ukraine. The end of the war and establishing stable trade channels are critical to retaining these advantages. Any interruption might cause feed costs to rise, exposing the EU dairy industry to external shocks.
While ATM regulation provides immediate benefits, its long-term effectiveness mainly depends on geopolitical events. EU policymakers and industry stakeholders must remain watchful and adaptive, ensuring that contingency measures are in place to safeguard the dairy sector from future risks while balancing economic and environmental objectives.
The Bottom Line
The changing environment of the EU dairy business demands strategic adaptation among laws, trade agreements, and sustainability programs. Looking forward, dairy farmers must strike a balance between economic and environmental aims. Policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU Green Deal cause a modest decrease in milk output. Cheese production continues to be strong, with predicted growth in both output and consumption. Butter, nonfat dry milk, and whole milk powder output are expected to fall, indicating strategic industry movements. Adjustments like the Autonomous Trade Measures Regulation underscore the need for strategic planning. The EU’s approach to free trade agreements must strike a balance between market competitiveness and environmental integrity. Technological advancements, strategic relationships, and sustainable practices can help the industry succeed. Dairy producers must stay adaptable, knowledgeable, and dedicated to sustainability. Strategic planning and effort will allow the sector to thrive in this disruptive period.
Key Takeaways:
Milk Production Decline: EU milk production is forecasted to decrease from 149.3 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 148.9 mmt in 2024.
Policy Impacts: The reduction is influenced by policies affecting cow numbers and overall milk production.
USDA GAIN Report Insights: A 0.3% decrease in factory use consumption is anticipated in 2024.
Cheese Production Growth: EU-27 cheese production is expected to reach 10.62 mmt in 2024, a 0.6% increase from 2023.
Declining Production of Other Dairy Products: Butter, non-fat dry milk (NFDM), and whole milk powder (WMP) production are anticipated to decrease by 2.1%, 5.8%, and 3.9% respectively.
Rising Cheese Demand: Both cheese exports and domestic consumption are forecasted to rise in 2024.
Policy Challenges: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU Green Deal initiatives are influencing farmers’ production decisions.
Trade Dynamics: The EU is engaging in multiple free trade agreements, including concessions on dairy, while the Autonomous Trade Measures Regulation (ATM) could impact feed prices and availability.
Summary:
Milk output is expected to decrease from 149.3 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 148.9 MMT this year due to industry shifts influenced by cow numbers and milk production efficiency rules. These developments are part of a larger revolution driven by legislative shifts, economic constraints, and environmental obligations. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU Green Deal programs influence farm economics and production decisions, with Regulations like the Autonomous Trade Regulation affecting feed pricing and supply. The EU dairy industry faces significant challenges due to strict rules under the CAP and the EU Green Deal, which require expensive investments in sustainable techniques without financial assistance. Farmers argue that these policies ignore regional agricultural traditions and the diverse effects of environmental rules between EU member states. The EU Commission proposed CAP reforms in March 2024 to strike a balance between environmental aims and economic viability.
Learn how Lactanet’s new Lifetime Performance Index will boost sustainability and milkability for Canadian dairy cows by April 2025. Are you prepared for the changes?
Envision a dairy sector where efficient cows produce large amounts of milk, contributing to environmental sustainability. Leading genetic testing and data management for dairy cows in Canada, Lactanet is scheduled to update the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) by April 2025. This upgrade, with its focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and raising ‘milkability,’ promises to match productivity to environmental responsibility, instilling hope for a more sustainable future.
Brian Van Doormaal, chief services officer at Lactanet, says, “It’s not the relative weighting that determines how much of an impact breeding for these traits could have.” “This is the expected reaction you get from breeding for these qualities.”
The revised LPI will include new criteria to improve environmental impact and cow behavior. These developments acknowledge that the overall well-being of cattle and sustainable techniques will determine the direction of dairy farming.
Modernizing the Cornerstone: Enhancing the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) for a Sustainable Future
Integrating productivity, health, and reproductive characteristics into a single statistic, the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI), has been vital in the Canadian dairy sector. This all-encompassing strategy helps dairy farmers make wise breeding selections by guiding balanced genetic advancements. The LPI ensures general herd production and sustainability by addressing many qualities, preventing overemphasizing any area.
Beyond individual farms, the LPI increases national and global competitiveness by matching industry norms and consumer expectations with breeding goals. This backs up objectives of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and profitability.
The changing dairy farming environment and the need to handle fresh issues, including environmental implications, drive the suggested LPI changes, including methane emissions and feed efficiency features that fit present ecological targets. Improving characteristics linked to milking speed and temperament satisfies the increasing need for operational effectiveness.
Improved genetic research and data allow more accurate and representative LPI updates. Working with Lactanet and genetic enhancement companies guarantees the index stays relevant across several breeds.
The modifications seek to modernize the LPI, maintaining its value for breeders as they solve current problems and apply fresh scientific discoveries. This strategy will help maintain the Canadian dairy sector’s reputation for quality and inventiveness.
Steering Genetic Excellence: Brian Van Doormaal’s Consultative Leadership
Under the leadership of Brian Van Doormaal, Lactanet’s chief services officer, the consultation process integral to creating the updated LPI is in progress. He has been instrumental in these conversations, ensuring the new LPI structure addresses the diverse genetic aims of various dairy breeds. For Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, and Guernsey breeds, he has fostered open communication between Lactanet and genetic improvement groups, emphasizing the importance of their contributions.
Van Doormaal started a thorough consultation by bringing the suggested improvements before the Open Industry Session in October 2023. This prepared the ground for in-depth conversations spanning many months that explored subtleties like the relative weighting of fat against protein in the LPI’s breeding objectives. Every breed has diverse genetic traits and performance criteria, which Van Doormaal has deftly negotiated, bringing various goals and viewpoints.
The updated LPI seeks to capture significant variations between breed-specific genetic targets using this thorough consultation approach. Through close interaction with breed-specific organizations, Van Doormaal guarantees the revised LPI is thorough and catered to every breed’s unique requirements, reflecting an agreement among industry players.
Refining Genetic Precision: Tailoring the Updated LPI to Address Breed-Specific Goals
The revised LPI seeks to meet every dairy breed’s genetic requirements and problems, guaranteeing customized breeding plans for Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, and Guernsey cows.
For Holsteins, health concerns, including cystic ovaries and increasing production efficiency, take the front stage. Achieving high milk output without sacrificing health still depends on balancing fat against protein.
Ayrshire breeders prioritize strong milk production and toughness. Given the breed’s usual milk composition, they usually prefer milk solids over protein.
Finding a balance between lifespan and high output is essential for Jerseys. The breed’s abundant butterfat milk prioritizes fat weighing to satisfy market needs.
Guernseys mainly aims to raise milk quality through improved sustainability and health. Discussions on fat vs. protein weightings seek to encourage both, hence preserving the breed’s commercial advantage.
The breed-specific variations emphasize the need for a tailored LPI that addresses each breed’s strengths and problems.
Revolutionizing Genetic Assessment: Expanding the LPI to Enhance Dairy Cow Traits and Sustainability
The current modernization of the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) marks significant progress in assessing genetic features, raising the index from four to six sub-groups. With an eye on production efficiency and animal welfare, this more precise approach seeks to enhance the breeding and assessment of desired traits in dairy cows.
The updated LPI will separate the present Health and Fertility category into Reproduction and Health and Welfare. While Health and Welfare will focus on general health measures, this move includes important qualities like calving capacity and daughter calving ability under Reproduction.
The new Milkability sub-group—which will now include milking speed and temperamental characteristics—also adds significantly. These qualities directly affect labor efficiency and animal handling; their inclusion addresses a hitherto unknown element of dairy management inside the LPI.
Finally, to address mounting environmental issues, the LPI will incorporate a new Environmental Impact subindex, which was first designed for Holsteins. Reflecting the dairy sector’s emphasis on lowering its environmental impact, this subindex will concentrate on feed and methane efficiency. Research has underlined the critical influence of body maintenance on ecological sustainability, thereby supporting its inclusion.
These modifications improve the LPI’s accuracy and usefulness by matching it with contemporary breeding objectives and ensuring that genetic selection promotes dairy sector sustainability and output.
Pioneering Sustainability: Introducing the Environmental Impact Subindex
As part of its commitment to dairy sector sustainability, the new Environmental Impact subindex is a crucial addition to the revised LPI. This subindex rates body upkeep, methane efficiency, and feed economy, among other essential factors. By measuring a cow’s capacity to turn grain into milk, it helps determine its feed efficiency, thereby reducing its environmental impact. Targeting the decrease of methane emissions per unit of milk produced, methane efficiency addresses a significant contribution to greenhouse gasses. The inclusion of body maintenance in the index underscores the industry’s recognition of its critical influence on ecological sustainability, providing reassurance about its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Since there is enough data for Holsteins, this subindex consists only of them. The subindex will probably be enlarged to cover more breeds as more data about them becomes accessible.
Integrating Behavioral Efficiency: The Pivotal Role of Milkability in Modern Dairy Operations
The new Milkability subindex, which combines previously missing milking speed and temperamental qualities, is one noticeable improvement in the revised Lifetime Performance Index (LPI). These qualities depend on maximizing dairy operations and improving animal care. The subindex lets breeders increase labor efficiency and general herd management by considering milking speed. Faster milking of cows saves time and lessens stress for farm workers and animals, improving the surroundings.
Moreover, temperament is crucial as it influences handling and integration into automated milking systems. Calm, cooperative cows enable the effective running of these devices, reducing injuries and improving milk let-downs. Including temperamental features thus emphasizes the significance of animal behavior in contemporary dairy production and promotes methods that increase output and animal welfare.
Transforming Genetic Insights: Lactanet’s Ambitious Approach to an Intuitive Lifetime Performance Index (LPI)
Lactanet seeks to simplify the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI), increasing its availability and usefulness for breeders. Creating subindices for every collection of genetic features helps the index to become modular and facilitates the concentration on specific features. This method guides breeders through complex genetic material.
The aim is to increase LPI usefulness by using assessments as “relative breeding values,” standardized with a breed average of 500 and a standard deviation of plus or minus 100. This clarity helps to simplify the comparison of the genetic potential of animals within a breed, therefore supporting wise decision-making.
Other subindices, like milk ability and environmental impact, provide more accuracy in genetic improvement. This lets breeders concentrate on specific operational targets, including milking speed or calving capacity.
Ultimately, the updated LPI will be a flexible instrument enabling breeders to maximize their breeding campaigns to satisfy different objectives and goals. This guarantees that the LPI is indispensable for genetic selection in Canadian dairy production.
Embracing Stability and Progress: The Path Forward with the Modernized Lifetime Performance Index (LPI)
A more exacting breeding method is envisaged as the dairy sector prepares for the revised Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) in April 2025. Existing breeding plans will not be disturbed much, with a 98 percent correlation to the present LPI, guaranteeing continuity and dependability. This consistency will help maintain the top-rated bull ranks substantially unaltered. Breeders will have a constant instrument to balance productivity, health, sustainability, and genetics while improving dairy cow features.
The Bottom Line
Optimizing dairy performance and environmental impact will be much advanced with the forthcoming change of the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) for Canadian dairy cows. The revised LPI set for April 2025 will include additional sub-groups, including Reproduction, Health and Welfare, Milkability, and Environmental Impact, along with improved breed-specific choices and changed trait weighting. Dividing the Health and Fertility categories will help to represent objectives such as milking speed and calving capacity more accurately.
Given data availability, the new Environmental Impact subindex targets greenhouse gas reductions for Holsteins via feed and methane efficiency features. This complements more general sustainability objectives in dairy production. Milking speed and temperament are necessary for effective operations and will be part of the Milkability subgroup.
These developments under Brian Van Doormaal guarantee farmers a scientifically solid and valuable tool. The 98% correlation with the present LPI emphasizes how these improvements improve rather than alter the current system. Maintaining genetic quality, the redesigned LPI seeks to help Canadian dairy producers create more lucrative, environmentally friendly, and efficient herds.
Key Takeaways:
The new LPI will emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing “milkability.”
The index will expand from four to six sub-groups of genetic traits.
Health and Fertility will be split into Reproduction and Health and Welfare.
A new Milkability subgroup will include milking speed and temperament traits.
Environmental Impact subindex will focus initially on Holsteins, utilizing feed and methane efficiency data.
Body Maintenance will also be part of the Environmental Impact subindex, linking cow stature to environmental impact.
The updated LPI aims to simplify usage, with each component group serving as its own subindex.
Evaluations will present relative breeding values, set against a breed average with clear standard deviations.
The new LPI is expected to be 98 percent correlated with the current index, maintaining continuity in top-rated bulls.
Summary:
Lactanet, a Canadian genetic testing and data management company, is set to update its Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) by April 2025 to align productivity with environmental responsibility and improve cow behavior. The LPI integrates productivity, health, and reproductive characteristics into a single statistic, helping dairy farmers make wise breeding selections and guiding balanced genetic advancements. The proposed changes include methane emissions, feed efficiency features, and improvements linked to milking speed and temperament. The updated LPI will separate the Health and Fertility category into Reproduction and Health and Welfare, including important qualities like calving capacity and daughter calving ability. This flexible instrument will enable breeders to maximize their breeding campaigns to satisfy different objectives and goals, making it indispensable for genetic selection in Canadian dairy production.
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