In June 2016, the genetic base cow, which is the genetic reference point for all dairy cattle in New Zealand, became younger, as we moved from a 2000 to a 2005 born genetic base cow.
The previous genetic base was the average of a group of well recorded 2000 born cows.
Updating the genetic base cow
On 19 June 2016, the genetic base cow, which is the genetic reference point for all dairy cattle in New Zealand, became younger, as we moved from a 2000 to a 2005 born genetic base cow.
The genetic base increased by about $50 causing Breeding Worth (BW) to be scaled-back by an equivalent amount across all animals and herds. This change did not cause any re-ranking among bulls or herds nor was it an indication of a change in the value of an animal.
Every year we see genetic improvement in the national herd; which leads to each group of heifers coming through having a higher BW than those cows before them. A genetic base cow update, usually every five years, prevents the gap between the today’s animals and the genetic base becoming too large, keeping the scale of Breeding Worth relevant.
The next update to the genetic base cow will occur in 2020, when we will move to a 2010 born genetic base.
