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ICBF has confirmed it is bringing forward its AI bull evaluation and it will be published next week.
The decision was made at a board meeting on Tuesday where the latest calving data coming through from spring 2017 was reviewed.
In a statement, ICBF said new data processing enabled the organisation to interpret performance data quicker. The data coming through confirms an earlier expectation that a recalibration of some performance indicators would be necessary, especially in relation to fertility.
ICBF also confirmed that the data coming through from the spring 2017 calving season points to the need to readjust the fertility predictions (circa two days calving interval, 1% decrease in survival) along with minor adjustments to milk production. Those adjustments will be included in the new AI bull evaluation. This is so that farmers can take advantage of this information when selecting their bull panels for 2017, the organisation said.
Some changes to rankings
Speaking about the decision, Michael Doran, ICBF board chair, said: “The board felt that it was in farmers’ best interests to move forward the publication of the next AI bull evaluation ahead of the upcoming breeding season. As in every quarterly run, there will be some changes to rankings. However, as always, ICBF recommends that farmers use a team of bulls (minimum five) from the active bull list and that they should contact their local AI company to look at what is the best panel for their own herd.”
“When our genomic-testing was first developed, its performance indicators were based on a training population of just over 2,000 animals. As we add more animals to the training population, we get better predictions and the process will require ongoing recalibrations. This represents a fine-tuning of a very effective system and results in further accuracy on more animals in the ICBF’s growing database. In all cases, EBIs will be more accurate than the values they replace thanks to the recalibration.” he added.
Michael Doran also said: “We’re continuously looking for ways to streamline the processes involved in providing the industry’s most advanced genomic-enhanced selection tools.
“The ICBF is committed to keeping dairy farmers at the forefront of this technology and ultimately reducing the risks inherent in managing their individual cow herds while also driving efficiency,” he concluded.
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