Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS)

Background:

Genetic improvement is a critical source of productivity gain in the dairy industry. Annual gains in productivity achieved through improved animal genetics is approx 0.5-1%, provided at least 1/3 of annual gain in Total Factor Productivity achieved since 1989.

ADHIS plays a vital role in improving the rate of productivity gain through genetic improvement. The main products of ADHIS are the Australian Breeding Values (ABVs), and the ABV (g) (genomics). ADHIS are also critical in the development of breeding selection tools including the Australian Profit Ranking and the Good Bulls Guide.

Project objective:

To increase farm productivity through genetic improvement of dairy herds by providing improved Genetic Evaluation Systems, efficient data management & services. Maximise understanding and use of ABVs and develop a robust governance structure & systems.

Project scope:

ADHIS focuses on increasing productivity via improved genetic evaluation systems, efficient data management & services, maximising understanding and use of Australian Breeding Values (ABVs), and a robust governance structure.

Outcomes/benefits:

Production of ABVs, and the ABV (g) (genomics), which help farmers make decisions on purchases of semen to meet their specific breeding objectives.

ADHIS is critical in the development of breeding selection tools including the Australian Profit Ranking and the Good Bulls Guide.

Provide extension support to farmers to make informed decisions about their breeding objectives. 

More information:

 For more information, contact Mick Blake, Dairy Australia Animal Performance Manager.