AgSource's Genetic Selection Guide provides producers with the power to maximize the genetics in their herd while enhancing their herd for the future.
The Genetic Selection Guide is a powerful new tool for all AgSource members including commercial dairy operators. Either a as stand-alone product or as a screening tool in combination with genomic testing, it allows AgSource members the opportunity to make much more informed replacement and breeding decisions.
The Genetic Selection Guide provides producers the following information:
- Both genotypic and phenotypic information for replacement decisions
- Tools for managing your herd's breeding program
- Information for assisting in genomic testing decisions
> Read the description of the Cow Genetic Selection Guide
> Review the description of the Heifer Selection Guide
> See how the Genetic Selection Guide makes you money
> Understand the Genetic Selection Guide (PDF)
Full value from this report requires submitting certain information to AgSource:
- Accurate sire and dam identification
- All breeding dates and service sires
- Pregnancy confirmations
- Unique permit identification number for each heifer calf right after birth
Accurate herd inventory information is also dependent on accurate breeding records and pregnancy confirmations for both heifers and cows. Reporting this information adds no cost, but results in accurate pregnancy rates to evaluate a herd's reproductive performance along with service rate, conception rate and pregnancy loss data to troubleshoot if problems exist.
Knowing your herd's projected milking cow inventory over the next six months is key to accurately determining if you have surplus cattle to sell. The "Projected Herd Inventory - Next 6 Months" section of the AgSource Herd Summary answers that question and is a complementary report to the Genetic Selection Guide.
