Science projects

The Fertility Breeding Value (BV) has led to gradual improvements in genetic merit for fertility. Under 'Pillars of New Dairy System', we aim to increase the accuracy of the Fertility BV to accelerate genetic improvement in fertility.

Research to improve herd reproduction performance, we are studying two heifer traits that could provide early measures of cow fertility.

Heat stress can negatively affect dairy cows in many ways. DairyNZ is researching methods of identifying when heat stress might occur to help farmers manage their herds and lessen its impact.

Read more on how DairyNZ is understanding how predicted changes to climate will affect cow health and welfare.

The Pillars of a new dairy system is an eight-year DairyNZ-led research programme that aims to provide management and genetic solutions to improve cow health, fertility and longevity.

To test the robustness of the current Fertility Breeding Value (BV) and identify new measures of fertility, we generated a unique herd of heifer calves that had a 10-point difference in their Fertility BV (-5% vs +5%).

DairyNZ is partnering in research aimed at developing a new cow survival and longevity trait. This trait will provide greater focus on general robustness and good health, as DairyNZ senior scientist Claire Phyn explains.

A large-scale study determined that starch-based supplements did not provide reproductive benefits relative to fibre-based supplements when cows were fed the same amount of energy.

The average first-service conception rate to insemination is about 54% in NZ herds.

Endometritis is an infection or inflammation of the uterus that persists beyond the third week after calving.