New Genetic Index Helps Farmers Breed Heat-Tolerant Dairy Cows, Boosting Welfare and Production
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📰 The quick summary: A world-first genetic index is helping Australian dairy farmers breed heat-tolerant cows that maintain milk production in hot weather, improving both animal welfare and farm profitability.
📈 One key stat: Australian dairy farmers can lose between 25% and 40% of their herd’s milk yield during summer months, making heat tolerance a critical economic factor for the industry.
💬 One key quote: “The US tested our ABV and found that it works in their conditions so it’s great to see it make waves globally,” Dr. Nguyen told a special report series called Land Line from ABC.
1️⃣ The big picture: Australian dairy farmers have developed an innovative genetic index to breed cows that can better withstand hot and humid conditions. The Heat-Tolerance Australian Breeding Value (ABV) helps identify bulls whose offspring will maintain productivity during extreme heat, addressing a significant challenge for dairy producers. Dr. Thuy Nguyen pioneered this approach over four years, identifying that the key measurement wasn’t core body temperature but rather changes in the animals’ social behavior on hot days. This breakthrough is attracting international attention from countries like the US, Italy, and Spain, recognizing its potential to transform dairy farming in warming climates.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This genetic innovation represents a win-win solution for both dairy farmers and their animals. By breeding cows more comfortable in hot conditions, farmers reduce significant production losses of 25-40% during summer months. The approach improves animal welfare by helping cows tolerate heat stress more easily, preventing the lethargy and abnormal crowding behaviors that compound their discomfort. Beyond Australia, this science is creating global ripple effects as other major dairy-producing nations adopt similar breeding strategies. The ABV offers a sustainable adaptation to changing climate conditions without requiring expensive infrastructure changes or technological interventions.
3️⃣ What’s next: Farmers like Trevor Parrish continue encouraging wider industry adoption of the ABV genetic index. The US, Italy, and Spain are now investigating similar heat tolerance breeding strategies based on Australia’s successful model. As global temperatures rise, this approach offers a practical solution for dairy farmers worldwide to adapt their herds to changing climate conditions.
Read the full story here: Good News Network – World-First Genetic Index Helps Aussie Farmers Breed Heat Tolerant Cows to Maintain Their Welfare–and Milk Supply
