Advancements in Dairy Breeding Explored at VistaMilk Conference
The VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre convened more than 100 stakeholders at Teagasc Moorepark to deliberate on the future of dairy breeding. Over the past 20 years, there have been notable advancements in breeding, with the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) rising from €-87 in 2006 to a projected €133 by 2026. Similarly, the milk and fertility sub-indices have improved significantly, underscoring the rapid progress in genetics and on-farm education.
Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in this progress, with innovations such as heat detection systems and genomic testing becoming more prevalent. Despite these developments, the full nationwide impact is yet to be realized. In 2025, data showed that the average cow had an EBI of €105, producing 5,412 liters of milk with 4.31% fat and 3.6% protein, equivalent to 441 kg of milk solids.
The conference featured speakers from various global breeding and genetic organizations, including Geno from Norway, ST Genetics, Genus ABS, and Viking Genetics. Key figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) and Teagasc also participated, providing insights into the sector's current state and future prospects.
Dr. Donagh Berry, a senior principal research officer and quantitative geneticist with Teagasc, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing the Irish breeding program. He highlighted that the recent evolution in dairy breeding is driven by technological, genomic, and data analytics advancements, as well as social expectations.
Dr. Margaret Kelleher from ICBF reinforced this sentiment, noting that strategies discussed at the conference are already influencing dairy industries globally. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration between industry, researchers, and international partners to sustain momentum.
The event underscored the need for a blueprint to ensure the dairy breeding industry thrives over the next 25 years, focusing on environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
