Implementing Technology for Genetic Improvement: Sire-Daughter and Dam-Daughter Paths, Farm Management's View

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Abstract
Dairy producers have implemented technological advances to varying degrees for choosing parents of female replace- ments. Some use AI exclusively and make near optimum use of USDA sire sum- maries, National Association of Animal Breeders calving ease summaries, and ratings from breed associations and AI organizations for overall type and linear traits. Others use AI on most cows but fewer heifers and make less use of tools available. Still others use no AI but do use sons of AI sires to obtain some benefit from the efforts of others. Final- ly, there are a sizeable number who use no AI, use beef bulls to breed most heifers and some cows, and use dairy bulls of unknown merit for the remain- der. Many producers express extreme interest in embryo transfer and sexed semen. However, less than half use a technology as simple and profit en- hancing as production testing. Trends in the industry include increased usage of type and linear traits, less loyalty to an individual AI organization, and increased use of mating services. Background favoring these trends are discussed. Also listed and discussed briefly are sug- gestions for AI organizations, producers, and educators to consider as the industry strives for continued improvement via these pathways.