Hi,
BW & TOP – Mutually Exclusive?
Over the course of the last two years, I’ve been fortunate to assist breed societies in the TOP (Traits Other than Production) classifying of dairy animals. These animals were from predominantly two types of herds – sire proving/progeny test herds, and die-hard breeders who worship their cows. The differences between the two types of herds were so stark that I thought it warranted an article about the subject.
Below is some of the key points in the article:
- There is a stark difference between high BW animals (often lacking strength, durability, and udder quality) and animals from dedicated breeders (structurally sound and built to last).
- The root of this is the BW evaluation system. BW is designed to measure feed conversion into profit, not overall cow quality, and it deprioritises key TOP traits (capacity, udders and fertility).
- Breeding companies aren’t the problem; they’re just responding to the BW system. Issues arise from how bulls are used on farm; ‘set-and-forget’ mating systems remove the ability to improve specific traits.
- The dairy industry has evolved (higher production, more pressure on cows), but emphasis on TOP traits hasn’t kept pace. This has created a mismatch between what BW prioritises and what farmers actually want: durable, fertile cows with sound udders.
As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with either Abby or myself if there’s something you’d like our help with, or if you’d like to book in a WOF or Future Herd Audit.
Mark: 027 270 2403 or mark@yourwingman.co.nz
Abby: 027 946 4626 or abby@yourwingman.co.nz
All the best for the remainder of the season,
Mark and Louise Benns, and Abby Ross