Many dairy producers across the country trust DairyComp as their go-to herd management software. It is the hub for storing and organizing information on herd production, health, reproduction, replacements and more.  Now, with the integration of Canadian genetic and genomic evaluations, users can view genetic data simultaneously with other herd data all in one place! This new feature of DairyComp provides our customers enrolled on milk recording services with monthly updates and the most accurate genetic information for all heifers and cows. The net benefit is more timely culling and breeding decisions for improved herd profitability.   

Following the April 2024 official genetic evaluation release, DairyComp customers now have quick and easy access to their genetic and genomic evaluations. This feature provides the ability to import data for over 30 selected genetic values into their DairyComp system.  The user can choose to import the genetic values that best meet their breeding and herd management goals. The genetic fields available for importing include LPI, Pro$, Production, Type and Functional traits, along with polled status, inbreeding, and milk casein gene test results. Moreover, for existing or newly genotyped females, genomic evaluations will be imported, denoted by a “G” in the Genomic Status column. 

As with all DairyComp data, a variety of reporting options are available to meet user needs. This includes reports on cows, heifers, or the whole herd. With the ability to rank animals, accurate culling and breeding decisions can be made, including which type of semen to be used. By having genetic information stored with herd performance data, an opportunity to compare actual performance with the genetics of the herd is also possible, providing valuable insights. 

Lactanet currently has two sets of cow evaluations for production traits, official indexes that are released three times a year and management indexes, which are updated every month based on each cow’s new data such as milk recording, type classification, reproduction, etc. The genetic evaluations uploaded to DairyComp are management indexes, like those included in DHI Genetic Herd Inventory reports and the Compass software. Management indexes are updated regularly with new performance data making them the most up to date for herd management and genetic selection decisions! Once your DairyComp program has been set up, the genetic and genomic data will be automatically updated on the first Tuesday of every month for all registered animals in your herd inventory at Lactanet. As this new service expands, genomic updates will be provided on a weekly basis for newly genotyped heifers.  

This new feature is currently only available for registered females in herds enrolled on any of Lactanet milk recording services, including eDHI. Lactanet is looking into additional options to be offered in the future for non-DHI herds using DairyComp.  Do not hesitate to contact the DairyComp support team to get set up!