2.5.2 Impact of Breeding Practices on Productivity

Changes in breeding practices have led to significant increases in animal productivity:

Artificial Insemination (AI): This technique allows for the widespread use of superior genetics from top-performing males, increasing the overall quality of offspring.

Embryo Transfer: This method enables the rapid multiplication of superior females by transferring embryos from high-quality donors to surrogate mothers.

Crossbreeding: Combining different breeds to capitalize on hybrid vigor can result in animals that are more robust and productive than their purebred counterparts.

Genomic Selection: Utilizing genomic information to select animals with the best genetic potential accelerates the breeding process and enhances productivity.

Consider the famous cow named My. The famous cow known for producing the most milk is "Ever-Green-View My Gold-ET," often referred to simply as "My." This Holstein cow set a world record for milk production in a single lactation period, producing an astounding 77,480 pounds (approximately 35,195 kilograms) of milk in 365 days. This record-breaking achievement was officially recognized by the Holstein Association USA. My's remarkable productivity highlights the genetic and management advancements in dairy farming, showcasing the potential for high-yield milk production in modern dairy cows.

 

Holstein Cattle, Photo by Lea Jordan Source: https://www.holsteinusa.com/news/press_release2017.html#pr2017_24 

 

 

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