The genomic testing of dairy bulls has increased six-fold (656 per cent) in the past decade, giving farmers more genetics tailored for Australian systems than ever before.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s not just a total rise in genomic testing that\u2019s helping drive genetic gain in Australian herds \u2014 genomics enables global herd improvement companies to search the world for bulls that specifically perform well in our unique local conditions.<\/p>\n
Today, a huge proportion of all dairy bulls worldwide are evaluated on DataGene\u2019s genetic evaluation system, led by the Balanced Performance Index (BPI), before they are purchased.<\/p>\n
DataGene stakeholder relations specialist Peter Thurn said the increase in bull genomic testing means farmers now have a broader choice when it comes to genetics.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to genomics, Australian farmers have access to bulls specifically brought into the country because they are tested to perform in our dairy farming systems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile an increase in choice is always a great thing, more genetics brings additional benefits to the Australian dairy industry such as new bloodlines \u2014 more outcross options \u2014 and bulls which maximise feed conversion, production, are sustainable, long-lasting and healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the past decade, genomics has become the breeding cornerstone of the Australian dairy industry, with the technology now underpinning the marketing of genetics.<\/p>\n
At the farm gate, this genetic improvement is reflected in the BPI with the top 10 bulls on the August 2025 Holstein Australian Breeding Values averaging 573 BPI.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s almost six times the current average BPI of the top 10 bulls from 10 years ago (110 BPI).<\/p>\n
Peter said this improvement is the result of a combination of scientific grunt-work \u2014 developing world-leading breeding values \u2014 stringent bull screening and an evaluation system which reflects the national breeding objective.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that many young overseas bulls are evaluated on our system before bull companies decide to buy them is outstanding for a country \u2014 and dairy industry \u2014 the size of Australia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a reflection of the growing credibility of Australia\u2019s genetic evaluation system and the value placed on some of our cutting-edge breeding values such as the Heat Tolerance ABV.\u201d<\/p>\n
Australian farmers can easily identify the bulls that best suit local conditions by selecting those with a \u2018Good Bulls\u2019 logo from the DataGene Good Bulls Guide or using the app.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing the Good Bulls Guide, farmers can then refine their bull selection based on indices such as the BPI, Health Weighted Index (HWI) or Sustainability Index (SI),\u201d Peter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can also drill-down into individual Australian Breeding Values to focus on specific traits they want to improve their individual herd.\u201d<\/p>\n
WANT TO KNOW MORE?<\/p>\n
To see the August ABV tables, go to: https:\/\/www.datavat.com.au\/abv-list-reports<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Download the Good Bulls Guide at: https:\/\/www.datagene.com.au\/good-bulls-guide\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n