Using data to identify and cull low production and poor performing cows can help cut farm costs in tight seasons.
And, in many cases, removing ‘passengers’ from the herd has a positive effect on the farm business bottom-line with feed spreading further and milk production responding.
DataGene extension officer Peter Williams said on-farm data — such as herd test, pregnancy test and genomic results — has helped farmers throughout regions such as western Victoria and south-east South Australia make decisions during this difficult season.
“Genomic results have guided young stock culling decisions, while low BPI (Balanced Performance Index) cows have been removed from herds to save feeding and breeding costs,” Mr Williams said.
“The decision to cull cows or heifers is independent from the return you will get for them from the market, it’s about the money you save by not having them — they cost you if you keep underperforming animals.”
It costs $1200 to $1700 to rear a heifer to its first lactation and Peter said this money could be redirected from a poorer, low BPI animal, into other costs on the farm.
High BPI cows produce more milk and last longer in the herd than their low BPI herd-mates.
This comes as DataGene released the latest Australian Breeding Values and bull rankings, highlighting Australia’s highest BPI bulls across all the dairy breeds, informing dairy farmers’ future breeding decisions.
When it comes to breeding, Mr Williams stressed the importance of continuing artificial insemination and choosing DataGene ‘Good Bulls’ to maintain genetic improvement.
“Don’t cut yourself short with your breeding,” he said.
“From past droughts and low farm gate milk price years we know many people regret deviating from their breeding philosophy by introducing herd bulls to try and save money.
“In the end, because genetic improvement is cumulative, it ends up costing the business because it sets it back.”
According to the Dairy Farm Monitor Project, in 2022-23 AI and herd testing accounted for two per cent of total farm costs.
“Herd improvement is a relatively small cost that contributes to one of your largest, appreciating asset,” Mr Williams said.
DataGene has tools such as the Good Bulls App to help farmers choose bulls that best suit their business and breeding philosophy, with many filters available to narrow or widen search parameters.
Peter said this app makes bull selection easier and by ensuring farmers can choose ‘Good Bulls’ and get what they want.
“Taking advantage of industry tools such as the Good Bulls App makes even more sense during tough seasons when you have so many extra things to manage on-farm.”
For more information, phone DataGene on 1800 841 848 or email abv@datagene.com.au or go to: https://www.datagene.com.au
To see the August ABV tables, go to: https://www.datavat.com.au/abv-list-reports