The genetic make-up of cattle is more clearly understood than ever before. Genomics is now the gold standard in modern cattle breeding information. We can now affordably discover the genetic merit of calves at birth and use this information to make earlier and more accurate breeding decisions.
It costs around £2000 to rear a dairy heifer to milking age, so identifying the best will have major cost saving benefits over the longer term. Genomic testing can be used to identify high PLI, top Type or other individual traits as desired to best suit the breeder's aims.
Genomic testing can be used in conjunction with classification for optimum results in dairy cattle husbandry. Use both services together to produce a truly great herd of cows!
We offer a wide range of genomic testing options for both heifers and parentage testing can also be incorporated within the genomic test. Young bulls intended for AI or for use as stock bulls can also be tested to obtain UK genetic evaluation results.
A full range of genetic trait diagnostic services are also available, including coat colour, polled status and A2 milk protein, as well as for all known deleterious recessives, such as HCD, Brachyspina and CVM.
Genomic Evaluation Publication Dates
| Run Month | Sample to be Received by NBDC | Proof Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2018 | Tuesday 21st August | Tuesday 2nd October |
| Nov 2018 | Tuesday 25th September | Tuesday 6th November |
| Dec 2018 | Tuesday 16th October | Tuesday 4th December |
| Jan 2019 | Wednesday 28th November | Tuesday 8th January |
| Feb 2019 | Wednesday 19th December | Tuesday 5th February |
| Mar 2019 | Wednesday 23rd January | Tuesday 5th March |
| Apr 2019 | Wednesday 13th February | Tuesday 2nd April |
| May 2019 | Wednesday 27th March | Tuesday 7th May |
| Jun 2019 | Wednesday 24th April | Tuesday 4th June |
| July 2019 | Wednesday 22nd May | Tuesday 2nd July |
| Aug 2019 | Wednesday 26th June | Tuesday 13th August |
| Sep 2019 | Wednesday 31st July | Tuesday 3rd September |
| Oct 2019 | Wednesday 28th August | Tuesday 1st October |
| Nov 2019 | Wednesday 2nd October | Tuesday 5th November |
| Dec 2019 | Wednesday 23rd October |
Tuesday 3rd December |
(dates in bold are official runs, all others are interim runs)
For further information relating to genomics, please contact: genomics@nbdc.uk