• Post category:News

The latest proofs (Eurostar and EBI figures) have now been published and will be available to view on every animal in your HerdPlus profiles. All AI bulls have also been updated.

What changes have been incorporated into Dairy this evaluations run?

  • Test Day Model

In line with international best practice, Ireland has now moved to applying a Test Day Model (TDM) approach for genetic evaluation of milk production traits, as opposed to the previous approach of predicted 305-day yield. TDM approach is scientifically proven to be more accurate, as it can account for non-genetic effects specific to each test day, (e.g., weather, grass quality, level concentrate feeding). This change increased EBI values by approximately €10 – 15. Read more here.

  • Economic Value

Teagasc has updated the economic values in its Dairy Farm systems model which was last reviewed in 2014. The new Teagasc values reflect the changes in the marketplace and include; increasing the projected milk price by 1 cpl, from 29.7 to 30.7 cpl; decreasing the relative value of protein to reflect the higher value of fat on world dairy markets; and increasing farm labour costs from €12.4/hour to €15/hour.  Applying these updated Teagasc figures increased EBI values by approximately €10 – €15. Read more here.

  • Updated Training population

An additional 1,500 sires have been added to the training population from which the genomic predictions are derived, bringing the size of the training population set to just over 7,000 animals. All new animals have daughters milking in Ireland.  The net impact of this change to the EBI is negligible. Read more here.

To view your animals latest figures this evening, log in under ‘online services’. Can’t remember your password? You can retrieve it by contacting HerdPlus on 023 8820452 or [email protected]