Breeding companies LIC and VikingGenetics have announced a new collaboration to improve the genetic links between the New Zealand and Nordic Jersey cattle populations.
The breeding companies will work together on a pilot project that will bridge the genetic strengths of the two regions’ dairy industries. This involves exchanging sexed semen which allows LIC and VikingGenetics to identify new bloodlines that perform well in their own dairy farming environments.
LIC Jersey bulls are renowned for siring highly fertile, efficient, medium-sized cows that consistently produce high percentages of milk solids. Their ability to convert feed into milk with exceptional efficiency has cemented their role as a valuable asset in New Zealand’s dairy industry.
“We are deeply committed to safeguarding the future of the Jersey breed in New Zealand and worldwide,” says LIC Chief Scientist Richard Spelman.
“This forward-thinking solution will create stronger genetic connections between the Nordic and New Zealand Jersey populations and reduce the risk of inbreeding. We look forward to being able to offer more genetic diversity to our New Zealand Jersey herds in the coming years,” he adds.
VikingJersey bulls are renowned for siring profitable, medium-sized cows with exceptional health and fertility. They are breed leaders in fat and protein percentages, purebred Jerseys, free of monogenetic disorders, and offer A2A2 and BB caseins.
“This collaboration is a step forward in the overall genetic landscape of the Jersey breed, offering breeders a sustainable way to enhance herd health and profitability,” says Peter Larson, Product Manager for VikingJersey and Senior Breeding Manager at VikingGenetics.
“By sharing Jersey genetics internationally, we are helping dairy farmers identify the most beneficial bloodlines that bring superior value to their herds, whether they are from the Nordics, New Zealand, or elsewhere,” adds Lars Nielsen, VikingGenetics’ Chief Breeding and Production Officer.
The collaboration will help address concerns over inbreeding within the two populations. Selected cows will be inseminated with sexed semen from top genomic sires, using stringent selection criteria to achieve the best genetic results. All progeny will undergo comprehensive testing, verifying their parentage, data from milk recording, health registration and classification, and more. Between 10 and 20 bulls from each company will be enrolled in the project annually. The ultimate goal is to have the best sires forming part of future breeding schemes.
This project is a breeding collaboration and only extends to the exchange of genotypes for breeding purposes and not the market distribution of doses.
About VikingGenetics
VikingGenetics is a cattle breeding co-operative owned by more than 16,000 dairy and beef farmers in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. They focus on animal welfare, food security, and reducing climate impact in the entire production chain. With their solutions, their customers can continuously improve the genetic gain for each generation of their herd. Their results are rooted in the long-term relationships with farmers and the close link between research and implementation. Their commitment is to lead the dairy and beef industry in finding solutions to lower methane emissions and breed long-lasting, climate-friendly cows. VikingGenetics | Innovative, science-based cattle breeding
About LIC
LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative and world leader in pasture based dairy genetics and herd management. LIC exists to deliver superior genetics and technological innovation to help its shareholders sustainably farm a profitable animal. With origins dating back to 1909, LIC has a long history of developing and delivering world-leading innovations for the dairy industry. The co-operative continues to be one of the sector’s biggest private investors in research and development. LIC also has offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. All LIC profit is returned to its farmer owners/shareholders in dividends, or reinvested for new solutions, research and development. www.lic.co.nz
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Lee Cowan, Communications Lead, LIC
027 229 1672 or [email protected]
