New genetic indexes developed under bid to boost sustainability of milk production

TWO new genetic indexes to help farmers breed more environmentally-friendly cows will be launched in August by AHDB Dairy.

The first, Envirocow, reflects the important role genetics and breeding play in improving the environmental efficiency of milk production.

Incorporating cow lifespan, milk production, fertility and the new Feed Advantage index, Envirocow is one of the first genetic indexes in the world to focus solely on breeding cows for their environmental credentials.

Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB, said: “The environmental focus of Envirocow reflects the important role cattle breeding can play in helping the farming industry reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Feed Advantage, incorporated in Envirocow, helps dairy producers identify bulls with the greatest tendency to transmit good feed conversion on to their daughters. It is expressed as a predicted transmitting ability (PTA) in kilograms of dry matter intake saved during each lactation.

The index’s launch represents the culmination of over 30 years of research and data collection from the award-winning Langhill herd in Dumfries. Undertaken by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the studies have measured the Langhill cows’ dry matter intake throughout their entire lives.

Market round-up

CALEDONIAN Marts sold 2,280 store lambs at its opening sale at Stirling yesterday. Overall average for lambs was £80 which was £15 up on the year. Top price at the sale was a £100 for a pen of Texel cross Suffolks, while the top average of the day went to the Beltex section with 340 lambs sold to average £83 which were £17 up on the year.

C&D Auctions its their weekly sale of primestock in Dumfries yesterday. R Johnstone & Sons, Butchers Annan purchased the day’s top price Limousin cross heifer at 270p/kg, while Limousin bullocks sold to 253p.

Beef type OTMS peaked at £1,583 and 193p to average 155p, while dairy types sold to £1314 and 185p to average 120p.

The 859 prime lambs at the sale were a sharper trade for the best of them but leaner lighter types met a lot of resistance. Top prices were £130 and 268p/kg. There were 573 lambs in the 39-45kg weight range that averaged 229p.

The 199 heavy cast ewes peaked at £150 and averaged £110, while

365 light ewes averaged £52.

Messrs Craig Wilson sold 939 prime lambs at Newton Stewart yesterday. Well fleshed lambs were keenly bid for but at reduced values this week.