The path to the top 5%: A genetic success story

Clayhanger Farm’s aggressive, targeted genetic selection has propelled their herd into the top 5% nationally for Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI). Farmer Andy Rutter explains more.

Based in Cheshire, our 400-head Holstein herd operates year-round, calving and yielding 9,200 kg per cow annually. With a rolling pregnancy rate of 32% and 400+ followers, we’re no strangers to the demands of modern dairy farming.

When I returned to Clayhanger in 2018 to manage the herd full time, we adopted aggressive sire selection to raise the genetic merit of the herd, which later also incorporated genomic testing for our females.

By applying strict selection criteria, our herd has risen from the bottom 35% to the top 5% nationally in just six years. This leap wasn’t due to luck or expensive embryo transfer (ET) programs but rather by leveraging existing opportunities.

The financial benefits are staggering: moving from the 65th to the 5th percentile equates to nearly £230,000 in improved herd margins, using the Promar estimate of £1.58 per point PLI. Genomic testing of our youngstock is estimated to add another £200,000.

Investing in top-tier genetics is crucial. For example, spending an additional £1,200 on semen from higher-tier bulls can yield £8,600 in improved margins. Conversely, choosing lower-tier bulls to save on semen costs could cost up to £14,500 in lost potential. These calculations emphasise the excellent returns and value of strategic investments in genetics.

The evolution of dairy genetics

Having spent 18 years before my return to the farm at a world-leading genetics company, where I sourced and exported top-notch genetics, I have observed the transformative power of targeted breeding. However, I questioned whether we were making the most of genetic opportunities on our farm.

When I first started milking in the late 1980s, the selection was limited to a few production traits and type linears. Fast forward to today and we’re spoiled for choice with an array of traits and composites evaluated specifically for UK farmers by AHDB.

These advancements allow us to:

• Aggressively select for profitability
• Reduce environmental impact
• Improve cow resilience to diseases and involuntary culling
• Enhance efficiency in converting forages into nutritious milk

This progress is evident, with UK farmers embracing new indices and improving production, health and sustainability. Yet, the question lingers: could we push harder?

What’s holding UK farmers back?

Semen costs account for just 1–2% of farm expenditures, yet they deliver unmatched returns on investment. However, genetic decisions made today won’t yield visible results for three years. This lag, combined with minimal expenditure, often leads to insufficient focus on selection.

• Overcomplicating trait selection: Are we chasing too many traits and blunting progress on key priorities? For instance, high Type Merit (TM) composites often correlate negatively with longevity and feed efficiency, two critical factors for profitability and sustainability
• Aesthetics over function: While visually striking cows might win accolades, prioritising TM can come at the expense of efficiency and health. It’s time to ask if our focus on form over function is outdated
• Size as a burden: Larger cows bring higher feed costs and environmental challenges. Despite slowing the rate of size increases, the national herd continues to grow, creating unnecessary burdens for farmers

UK farmers have access to world-class indices and tools like AHDB’s Herd Genetic Reports. By embracing genomic testing, targeting key traits and challenging antiquated beliefs, we can unlock the full potential of dairy genetics.

However, this requires a shift in mindset:

• Move beyond aesthetics and focus on traits that drive profitability and sustainability
• Support efforts to develop UK-centric genetic solutions

The tools and knowledge exist to propel the UK’s national herd forward. The only question is: are we ready to step up and seize the opportunity?