1. Daughter Proven or Genomic Bulls?

2. Daughter Proven or Genomic Bulls?
Comparison based on bulls from the ICBF Active Bull List 2011.
Farmer A. Sticking with daughter proven bulls
Selection criterion. Daughter proven bulls only, min EBI rel of 70%, a team of 7, with a minimum of 4 different sires in the team. Picking highest EBI bulls from the list based on these criterion.
Farmer B. Opting for the new genomic sires.
Selection criterion. Genomic bulls only, Irish bred, a team of 7, with a minimum of 4 different sires in the team. Picking highest EBI bulls from the list based on these criterion.
What has been the outcome 6 years later?

4. No change in ave EBI proofs for the team of GS bulls, although some bulls moved a lot.
No change in ave EBI proofs for the team of DP bulls, although some bulls moved a lot.

5. Comparison EBI Old & New
GS bulls still rank higher than DP bulls.
Some bulls moved a lot
GYR, a GS bulls that increased (+6 in rank).
TKY, a DP bull that increased (+7 in rank).
SOK, a GS bull that decreased (-5 in rank).
GVV a DP bull that decreased (-5 in rank).
Average of TEAM of bulls stayed the same.

6. Comparison Performance.
Based on breeding decisions taken from 2011 ICBF Active Bull List.
Took all heifer calves born in 2012 from the 14 sires (i.e., 7 Genomic and 7 Daughter Proven bulls) and compared their subsequent performance in terms of milk solids and fertility.
If the “science” is correct, then average progeny from the 7 Genomic bulls should be better than the 7 Daughter Proven bulls.
Expect to be better by, on average, €52/lactation, with most of this coming from fertility.

7. Progeny Performance for DP & GS bulls.
Progeny of the 7 GE bulls had better female fertility and milk solids output over their life-time to date.
Most of the improvement in milk solids was due to better fertility performance – as per initial genetic differences.
Equivalent to €50+/lactation, as per EBI difference.

8. Summary of Validation Work.
Very simple comparison, but reflects completely how farmers would validate whether genomics is working on their farms.
Very clear evidence that genomics is;
Identifying the best AI bulls.
Delivering more profit for farmers.
€50 difference between GS and DP bulls is maintained over time (2011 versus 2017).
Significant shifts for some bulls (+/- €50 in a sample of 14 bulls (even DP bulls!) = > highlights need for TEAMS of bulls.