Page 71 - Hereford Magazine 2022

Cohort 3: the Dairy Beef Progeny Test’s 2018-born heifers.

Cohort 5: 2020-born heifers on farm at the Wairakei Estate.

“Dairy farmers are an important part of B+LNZ and the
Dairy Beef Progeny Test generates the information dairy
farmers need to make informed decisions about the non-
replacement genetics they choose to use over their cows. We
entered into partnership with LIC (co-funder of the progeny
test) a couple of years ago to ensure that dairy farmers have
access to the best bulls coming through the progeny test.”
The initial Dairy Beef Progeny Test began at Limestone
Downs in 2015, where Hereford and Angus bulls with a range
of EBVs were tested in a dairy herd to determine how well the
progeny performance matched the EBV of the sire.
The results highlighted the value of EBVs as an indicator of
performance in the dairy beef system and the second stage of
the DBPT was established at Pãmu’s Renown farm at Wairakei
Estate. Bulls of any breed, with EBVs indicating they are
likely to be superior sires for dairy beef systems, are selected
and progeny tested through the generation of calves in the
Renown dairy herd.
B+LNZ Genetics will be calling for expressions of interest for bull
nominations for the 2022 mating of the Dairy Beef Progeny Test
from June. B+LNZ Genetics general manager Dan Brier.

Year 2022 HEREFORD MAGAZINE 69