The dairy industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of genetic gain in cows. According to a recent report, the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) has seen an unprecedented surge, with an annual trend of €11.65. This growth has significantly boosted farm profits, with every €1 increase in EBI translating to a €2 boost in farm earnings. But here's where it gets controversial: the debate arises over the balance between genetic gain and animal welfare. While genetic progress has led to more efficient and sustainable animals, some argue that it may also inadvertently increase the size of cows, impacting their overall health and well-being. The report highlights the improvements in milk and fertility sub-indices over the last two decades, thanks to the Gene Ireland program and genomic selection. However, it also notes a slight decline in the maintenance sub-index in recent years. The calving sub-index, crucial for improving calving ease and reducing mortality rates, has shown consistent improvement, guiding farmers in selecting sires for healthier offspring. But this is the part most people miss: the beef sub-index has also seen a decline, albeit at a slower pace. Management and health sub-indices have remained relatively stable, with the health sub-index experiencing an initial increase followed by a slight decline in recent years. The TB breeding values, introduced in 2019, have shown a stabilizing trend, with ICBF advising farmers to use bulls with TB breeding values below 8.5% to improve TB resistance. This report not only showcases the progress but also opens up a discussion on the delicate balance between genetic gain and animal welfare, inviting readers to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments.
