New ABVs aimed to reduce stillbirths in dairy calves

New Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) developed by DataGene is hoped to reduce stillbirths in dairy calves.

The Sire Stillbirth and Maternal Stillbirth ABVs are now available for dairy farmers to use as a breeding tool.

Between five and seven per cent of dairy calves are stillborn or die on the first day.

The Sire Stillbirth ABV predicts the percentage of progeny that are born dead, while the Maternal Stillbirth ABV predicts the percentage of calvings that result in a dead calf.

“Both calf and cow have a role in a successful calving,” a DataGene spokesperson said.

“From a breeding perspective, it is important to breed for calves that are born alive and cows that give birth to a live calf.

“While many environmental factors contribute to the risk of stillbirth, genetics also play a role.”

Research shows there is enough genetic variation between animals within a breed to enable selection for a lower risk of stillbirth.

“To breed for fewer stillbirths, farmers should select animals with Stillbirth ABVs less than zero,” DataGene said. 

“Most Holstein and Jersey bulls fall between -2% to +2% for Stillbirth ABVs.

“The best bulls are below -5% for Stillbirth ABVs. “

The reliability of the Sire Stillbirth ABV in a young genomic Holstein bull is about 60 per cent, with the reliability of Maternal Stillbirth sitting at around 52 per cent.

“While the benefits of lowering stillbirths are clear for calf welfare, there are additional welfare and productivity benefits arising from lower maternal stillbirth rates,” DataGene said.

“Studies have reported that cows experiencing stillbirths show reduced pregnancy rate, increased days open, and lower milk yield early in the first lactation.”

Stillbirth ABVs are published in the Good Bulls App, DataVat, and heifer genomic results.