Australian Farm Enters National Top 100 for Herd Genetic Merit After Switching to Jerseys
Before 2021, the herd’s BPI remained below the breed average. Since the breeding programme was changed, the herd has consistently performed above the national average. Its average BPI now stands at 45.
The BPI measures the genetic merit of animals for traits that affect dairy farm profitability. DataGene reported that the herd had made progress in longevity, fertility, and mastitis resistance.
In 2021, the farmers decided to focus exclusively on breeding Jerseys. They purchased 50 Jersey cows at a herd dispersal sale, sold about 80 Holsteins, and subsequently acquired several more animals from local breeders.
The owners attributed their choice of breed to the animals’ smaller stature, feed conversion efficiency, and high milk solids. The lighter Jersey cows also cause less damage to the farm’s pastures, which are located on heavy clay soils.
The farm currently milks about 200 cows on 133 hectares. At least 80% of the herd has undergone genomic testing. Nearly 80% of the cows were sired by bulls that meet DataGene’s Good Bulls criteria.
When selecting bulls, the farm considers BPI, the Health Weighted Index, overall type, milk protein and fat content, fertility, mastitis resistance, and longevity. Genomic data are assessed alongside visual evaluations of the cows and the breeding records of previous generations.
“Now we look at the genomic data and every cow is visually assessed in the paddock, and we have so much breeding and classification history to look back on. It becomes part of the jigsaw puzzle to figure out what we want,” Rodney Brown said.
All heifer calves born during the March-April calving season undergo genomic testing. Each year, the farm raises more replacement heifers than it needs and then retains the animals with the best results. In 2026, the farmers raised 50 heifers, of which they plan to introduce about 35 into the herd. The remaining animals are sold for export.
The farm uses sexed and conventional semen, as well as a small proportion of beef semen. The owners continue to focus primarily on fertility, milk solids, animal strength, and the ability to remain productive while consuming less feed.
