First DNA proven calf pointer to breeding future
July 13th, 2009
The first DNA proven calf has been born in NZ. The nameless calf is the son of Cow 90 which leapt to fame last year as the first dairy cow to be inseminated with LIC’s DNA Proven semen. Cow 90 became the face of genomically selected semen and, to the delight of owner Stu Lyons of Glenbrook, South Auckland, became pregnant to the first insemination and delivered a healthy calf on schedule.
Inseminated with semen from KiwiCross sire, Altiora Galileo ET, a son of Scotts Northsea, Cow 90 calved on June 11 with no problems. Lyons says it was a gamble to use the DNA proven semen but, with the advancement in the science surrounding DNA, he is confident he has done the right thing. “The reason we did it was to try and get further ahead on the farm.” With around 76% of the herd holding to the first round of DNA Proven inseminations, his herd also has an enviable low empty rate of 2%. He says “last year our empty rate was 7%, we’ve never been as low as 2%.” With tighter financial times ahead on farm, Lyons says he will still use LIC’s DNA Proven semen.
Copyright © The Main Report Group - NZ AGri-Business
