Data Helps Improve The Nation’s Dairy Herd

It’s no surprise. Data, and the knowledge it brings, is everything for farmers in 2021. And that data is making positive impacts on all areas of agriculture, especially for dairy farmers. High-performing. Healthy, and hassle-free. Three traits that can make all the difference to a dairy producer’s quality of life, and bottom line. Dairy Production Specialist Katie Martin with Zoetis.

“We want to help create that cow, that nobody knows number 2,400, because she's not a problem," said Dairy Production Specialist Katie Martin with Zoetis. "Every day she does what she's supposed to do. She's living a good life and she's producing a high quantity of fat and protein.”

Over the years, research has shown keeping cows healthy goes beyond good care and management, it’s about genetics, too. The CLARIFIDE-Plus genomic test from Zoetis offers a look at the genetics behind key wellness traits, allowing dairy farmers to make real progress in their herds.

“With the wellness traits that are a part of our Dairy Wellness, Profit Dollar index, I see every day herds that are healthier. I see every day less cows getting mastitis, less antibiotic treatments, higher levels of fertility. I see cows staying in the herd longer…then we end up raising less heifers, it's just a circle where if we can create healthier cows, it impacts the business so much in a positive way."

And with each generation, Martin noted there is more data and information to power genetic selection tools.

“This tool is unbelievable, and it's amazing. Our dairy producer of the future or five years from now should be thinking about this tool and how to use precision planning with cows.”

Zoetis also offers the computer program Enlight to guide producers when analyzing genomic results.

“With Enlight you're able to generate many different reports. It's very simple and easy to use…You can look at graphs with your genetic progress with individual traits based on the industry. At any time you can pull up mating reports for your AI team to strategically make matings based on the genomic results.”

Looking to the future, U.S. Registered Holsteins remain at the forefront of genetic progress, productivity and profitability.

“For me a registered animal is fundamental to genetic progress because there's an abundance of information, and we can use that information to create that perfect cow. It's very profitable across her lifetime.”

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