Sustainability Gains Importance in International Dairy Breeding Programs

International dairy breeding programs are evolving with a heightened focus on sustainability, as reported by Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding at Worldwide Sires. Speaking at the Redhouse Holsteins open day, Ziegler emphasized the growing importance of sustainability alongside milk production in these programs.

According to Ziegler, the objective is to make genetic advancements more cost-effective, which is crucial for both grass-based and intensive feeding systems. He noted, "The journey that we are on today is that of making genetics work at less cost." He highlighted the need for breeding strategies that enhance farm profitability by reducing overhead costs such as vaccinations and treatments.

Ziegler also discussed the role of genomics in predicting and selecting cows that perform efficiently, thus aiding farmers in making informed breeding decisions. This scientific advancement is enabling quicker selection processes that can lead to reduced production costs over time. He stated, "In turn, this is allowing breeders to make selection decisions much more quickly."

Furthermore, Ziegler pointed to a current surplus in world dairy markets, suggesting that cost reductions in milk production could improve farm margins. He acknowledged the diverse genetic make-up of cows globally, stressing the significance of adapting breeding programs to various production systems, including Ireland's grass-based model.

The focus on sustainability in breeding programs reflects a broader trend in the industry to balance productivity with environmental and economic considerations.