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Bulls move in and out of our teams more frequently than they used to, sometimes raising questions about the overall strength of the team.
In reality, it reflects the faster pace of genetic progress and more precise selection tools now available to identify the animals with the greatest potential.
The speed of genetic gain
The rate of genetic progress in the New Zealand dairy sector has accelerated significantly over the past decade. Advances in genomic testing, data collection and genetic evaluation systems mean we can identify an animal’s genetic merit earlier and with greater accuracy than ever before.
Through our GeneMark® Genomics service, more than two million animals have been genotyped. This information strengthens LIC’s genomic predictions, providing greater confidence in an animal’s potential. As more information becomes available, breeding values can change – some may increase and some may decrease. This is not a weakness in the system; it is the result of having more accurate information and continually improving our understanding of an animal’s genetic ability.
The result is greater confidence that the genetics farmers invest in today will help deliver more fertile, efficient and longer-lasting cows that continue to add value to their herds over time.
More data means more clarity
New Zealand has one of the most comprehensive dairy genomic databases in the world. Milk production, fertility, health and conformation traits, longevity, calving difficulty, and efficiency data flow in from herds nationwide each season. Combined with genomic information, this creates a powerful picture of an animal’s breeding worth.
Multiple genetic evaluations are released each year, with new data continually feeding into the New Zealand Animal Evaluation (NZAEL) model. This ongoing stream of information provides sharper insight into how bulls rank relative to their peers, and in a rapidly advancing genetic landscape, even very good bulls can quickly be surpassed.
This is why a team approach is important. Rather than relying on a single animal, farmers benefit from access to a group of high- performing genomic bulls selected to deliver balanced, efficient and profitable cows.
A stronger pool of genetics
Equally important is the size and quality of the candidate pool. Genomic testing has greatly expanded the number of young bulls that can be accurately assessed each year, increasing competition among top sires for a place in the team.
Twenty years ago, selection decisions were made with less information and a smaller candidate pool.
Today, stronger data and greater selection intensity mean bull teams are more refined, representing the very best genetics available to farmers.
Protecting farmer progress
More frequent movement within bull teams reflects the industry’s focus on maximising herd improvement and accelerating efficiency gains.
If bulls remained in teams simply because they were ‘good enough’, genetic progress would slow. By actively reviewing and updating teams as new information emerges, we ensure farmers continue to access genetics that support ongoing improvement in fertility, efficiency, longevity and profitability.
Faster bull team movement is a sign of a high-performing, data-driven breeding programme. It signals that genetic gain is accelerating, selection pressure is strong, the benchmark for excellence keeps rising and farmers are receiving the best available genetics each season.
Dairy farmers operate in a competitive environment where efficiency, sustainability and productivity matter more than ever. Rapid genetic advancement helps build resilient, profitable herds that make the most of pasture-based systems. When bulls move out of a team today, it is rarely because they were not good enough. More often, new data has identified genetics with even greater potential, backed by stronger reliability and confidence for farmers.
