Genomics Database to Change Hands
NEW ZEALAND – A producer research and development organisation is set to acquire a genomics database said to be worth 310 million dollars to New Zealand dairying annually.
1 September 2014
1 minute read
The Ministry for Primary Industries granted consent for the transfer of the Dairy Core Database from animal genetics company Livestock Improvement Corporation to DairyNZ, to take place this year.
This will become part of the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD), which will collate breed society data, LIC and CRV Ambreed data.
This is according to DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle, who added: “We have been working closely with LIC for over a year to develop systems to transfer data from their systems and to ensure a smooth transition. Our aim has been to enhance the national genetic evaluation system for farmers so we can identify the best sires and cows.”
He underlined the economic impact genomic databases bring to the industry.
“New Zealand dairy farmers have traditionally made good use of nationally collated data for applications such as animal improvement and financial benchmarking.
“These have provided a competitive advantage for us. For example, the genetic improvement of dairy cattle is estimated to have contributed $310 million each year to the national dairy industry.
“Industry organisations must have access to collated data so we can evaluate things like breeding worth for dairy cattle and forage value index for ryegrass.”
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