Australian dairy farmers can also now accurately record the beef genetics they use within their dairy breeding program, thanks to the addition of 200 beef bulls to the National AI Sire Identification System.
Vital for tracking the parentage of dairy-beef calves, it’s now possible to record the exact beef bull used to breed each dairy cow or heifer.
Previously, beef genetics were viewed as a homogenous commodity within many dairy herd software programs.
DataGene extension officer Peter Williams said this change was a boost for traceability and laid the groundwork for dairy farmers to value-add their dairy-beef operations.
“Accurate genetic identification is the first step towards delivering more value to the dairy farmers who participate in the beef market,” Mr Williams said.
“It will link their product back to the farm and has the potential to increase the return on the investment in beef genetics by delivering a quality repeatable product.”