New Type Merit Rankings Reflect the Needs of Modern Milk Producers 14/12/07

Greater focus on longevity, udder health and profitability in Holstein UK’s new Type Merit rankings will make future bull proofs more relevant and beneficial to modern commercial dairy farmers, believes cattle genetics entrepreneur Nick Kirby.

Nick Kirby

Speaking in support of the new-look Type Merit that will be introduced in the January 2008 proof run, Mr Kirby – who established Inimex Genetics 26 years ago and launched Bullsemen.com in 2006 – says that the changes represent a significant step forward in bringing commercial dairy farmers and pedigree breeders closer together.

“These changes to the way Type Merit is calculated are the result of many months of industry-wide consultation and research, led by Holstein UK,” he points out. “Overall, there will now be far more emphasis on functional traits, with increased associations between Type Merit and traits such as lifespan, locomotion, fertility and a low somatic cell count.

“I believe the revised Type Merit will be more robust and balanced and is a clearer representation of modern milk producers’ requirements.”

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