The base change adjustment provides a good opportunity for dairy producers to assess their genetic improvement strategy. With accelerating genetic trends, an effective selection strategy is more important than ever. Use of a selection index like Herd
Health Profit Dollars® (HHP$®) is the most effective approach to improve several traits at the same time. The adjustments coming in April will mean you will likely need to recalibrate the selection levels used for A.I. sires and which cows
are bred to beef or sexed semen.
Genetic progress within herds continues to accelerate due to genomic evaluations and advanced reproductive technologies such as sexed semen, embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization. This makes the upcoming base
change a little more disruptive than previous adjustments. Selection standards will need to be adjusted following the April 2025 evaluations. It’s a good opportunity to evaluate genetic management strategies to assure your future cows will be
profitable producers.
For more information about the base change and how it will influence Select Sires’ genetics, tune in to Select Sires’ Facebook Live discussions on Friday, April 4, 2025. Check the Select Sires Inc. and Select Sires
Jerseys Facebook pages closer to the April sire summaries for broadcast times.