Assessing the potential of genomic testing dairy heifers to increase genetic gains and financial returns

Through EIP Wales, eight North Wales farmers are aiming to maximise farm profits by accelerating the breeding progress of their dairy herds.

The reliability of traits being inherited from the traditional pedigree index is 35%. By using genomic testing to measure DNA for production, type, fertility and health traits this can increase the reliability to 70%.

“Bringing this modern innovation to farm scale will be very valuable to the industry by accelerating herd progression, boosting farm competitiveness and sustainability.”

The project will fund the genomic testing of 410 predominantly Holstein-Friesian heifers to assess their genetic potential.  The eight farms have listed the traits they’re aiming to improve within their herd and progress towards these will be assessed over their first lactation.

The aims of the project:

• Produce a decision tree for using genomics
• Determine the correlation between genomic PTA’s and actual performance
• Gain a better understanding of the herd’s genetic profile, direction of travel and impact of breeding decisions for each participating farm.
• Produce a cost benefit analysis of genomic testing for each farm scenario.

“Through the small investment in genomic testing, breeding plans can be restructured to get the best output from the most valuable resource on the dairy farm, the herd.”

All breeding females of a specific age will be tested. DNA samples will be taken from the heifers before sending off for a genetic profiling in time for first breeding at 13-15 months of age.

Reports, Videos and Articles:

Poster (January 2020): Summary of the genomics project interim report

Report (August 2019): Genomic testing dairy heifers project interim report

Technical Publication (May/June 2019): Can genomic testing increase genetic gai…

(January 2019): Vicky Hicks, Kite Consulting, explaining Genomic Testing:

(May 2018): Potential of genomic testing dairy heifers (Dewi Jones, Llysf:

Technical Publication (January/February 2018): Assessing the potential of genom…

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020.