This database contains all the data required to operate Animal Evaluation (AE) and was established within DairyNZ on the 1st of December 2014.
The DIGAD Project
The key outcome of this project will be to transition the operation and maintenance of NZ’s dairy cattle animal evaluation system from LIC’s Animal Evaluation Unit to NZAEL, a wholly owned subsidiary of DairyNZ.
On-farm benefits to flow from dairy database project
Achieving ongoing genetic gain has been a cornerstone of the New Zealand dairy farmers’ competitiveness. It has been estimated that genetic improvement of dairy cattle contributes $300 million in profit to the economy per annum. The DIGAD (Dairy Industry Good Animal Database) project is designed to help lift that contribution even further.
The DIGAD work is one of the most substantial database projects undertaken since herd records were first computerised in the mid-1980s and was initiated following recommendations in the Anderson Report in 2008, which provided a review of the New Zealand herd improvement industry. This project involves a number of phases;
- Phase 1: Build the database (DIGAD)
- Phase 2: Transitioning the Operation of the Animal Evaluation Models (AE Transition)
- Phase 3 and 4: Develop systems which facilitate certified herd testing providers submitting data directly to DIGAD. Design and implement a solution for Breed societies.
This project has already allowed us to identify a better method of processing fertility and body condition score data, which increases the accuracy of the corresponding breeding values. These benefits were realised in early 2016.
Industry collaboration is playing a big part in ensuring the transition will be seamless from a dairy farmer’s perspective given the complexity of the data and systems involved.
Animal Data
Accessing data in DIGAD


Access to data held in the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database can be formally requested through DairyNZ
Read moreSupplying data to DIGAD


Data standards are put in place to help maintain and enhance the quality of animal data entering the dairy industry good animal database (DIGAD). This data is used for research and animal evaluation purposes.
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