Mating Programs - Key points for large herds profitability

We have seen the key benefits dairy producers should seek in a mating program. We now look at the approach you should take and the key elements you should consider prior to deciding which mating program fits your operation best.

Choosing a mating program is a very important decision as it will impact on your future herd profitability. The recommendations made today will be fully enforced in 33 months or so when those heifers enter the milking herd.

Key points:

Values of the program: What are the values on which the program has been built on? A serious program must have a strong foundation. Important aspects to consider are the methodology used, the approach to gather information, the people involved, the quality of service and the technology used.

Methodology: Sound genetic principles, unbiased, aimed at what you need, current data and on-going improvements.

Approach: Gather as many facts as possible and know the weaknesses (genetic & phenotypic) prior to choosing the mating sires. That is the only way you can optimize the results.

People: Look for professional and dependable people that will be building with you rather than fixing.

Service: Customer oriented, responsible and quick turn-around time to get the results back.

Technology: compatible with your computer system and dairy management program at the farm

Ability to meet your philosophy: The mating program you choose must have built-in flexibility to meet your goals. Your consultant must discuss with you, your evolution from the past, where you stand now and where you want to go. What are your beliefs and what are your objectives but also, what are your expectations. This information is important for your consultant in formulating a plan of improvement customized for your dairy. All in all, every single trait or ratio should be adjustable in a mating program - that is the only way it will truly meet your philosophy and breeding goals.

Measurable benefits: If you can't measure it, you can not manage it! A mating program should give you measurable values: What are the weak points and their proportion, what is your current inbreeding level and what is the inbreeding level of the progeny?
What is the improvement made over the last generation?

A good mating program is essential in today's world. It is a great management tool that will increase your profitability by maximizing genetic merit and minimizing losses due to inbreeding, recessives and irrational decisions leading to deceiving results.
In other words, it will optimize the next generation by maximizing your investment.

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Posted Oct 10th

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