Dairy producers are often concerned with placing emphasis on different production traits in their breeding program.
Selecting only economically important traits should be every
producer’s objective. The use of artificial insemination (A.I.)
sires is the most economical and productive way to increase
the herd’s genetic potential.
A cow’s record is a measure of her genetic potential,
which is modified by the environment in which she is kept.
Environmental factors that directly influence a cow’s record
include types of housing, milking equipment, feeds and feed-
ing, veterinary care, mastitis treatment and climatic conditions.
Only through control of these factors can the true genetic
ability of a cow be expressed.
All environmental factors are in a constant state of change.
Therefore, most changes made in the environment that influ-
ence production traits are not permanent. These factors must
be monitored and adjustments made daily to maintain optimal
production. Unlike environmental changes, genetic changes
are permanent. You need only to breed to a top production
A.I. sire to make genetic gain that is permanent throughout
a cow’s lifetime. The investment is made only once when
breeding your herd.
Genetics is the key that unlocks the door to efficient
production. In the current dairy economy, any increase in ef-
ficiency without incurring significant added costs is a program
that should be followed.