Farming Focus

Have we bred the perfect cow?

Episode Notes

In this episode of Farming Focus, host Peter Green explores the topic of breeding the perfect cow. He is joined by James Dixon, a farmer who raises stabilizer cattle in Cumbria, and Professor Mike Coffey from SRUC. They discuss the benefits of composite breeds like stabilizers, the history of cattle genetics, and the use of genomics in breeding. They also touch on the importance of feed efficiency and its impact on methane emissions. Overall, the conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to improve cattle genetics and the challenges and opportunities in breeding the ideal cow. The conversation explores the importance of feed efficiency and carbon footprint in cattle farming. It discusses the priorities for genetic improvement, including the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection. The conversation also touches on the role of genetics in disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality. It highlights the need for data-driven decision-making and the importance of recording phenotypes. The guests emphasize the goal of breeding animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose. We also have a new feature on the show in which we meet Cornish Mutual members. 

Takeaways

• The perfect cow is subjective and varies depending on the farm and its specific needs.
• Composite breeds like stabilizers offer the benefit of hybrid vigor and the ability to introduce new bloodlines.
• Genetic improvement in cattle has come a long way, with a focus on traits like milk yield, fertility, and feed efficiency.
• The use of genomics has revolutionized the breeding process, allowing for more accurate selection at a younger age.
• Feed efficiency is an important trait that can lead to cost savings and reduced methane emissions in cattle farming. Feed efficiency and carbon footprint are important considerations in cattle farming.
• Genetic improvement can be achieved through the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and visual selection.
• Disease resistance, cost efficiency, and meat quality are key focuses for genetic improvement.
• Data-driven decision-making and recording phenotypes are crucial for genetic progress.
• The goal is to breed animals that are economically viable, low-maintenance, and fit for purpose.

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

For our podcast disclaimer click here. 

Timestamps

00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle

00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.

01:38 James Dixon introduces himself. 

02:45 Looking more at the stablizer breed.

03:58 Jim's switch from dairy to beef.

05:30 Prof Mike Coffey introduces himself.

06:00 How far have we come with genetic improvement?

08:25 Have half an eye on the efficiency of the business when thinking about genetic decisions. 

12:00 How has breeding itself changed and what opportunities does this present?

14:20 Peter summarises the points so far.

16:00 Jim talks about genomics in beef herds.

18:18 Feed efficiency of cattle.

19:29 Member focus feature - Peter goes to Royal Cornwall Show.

21:52 Jim's priorities for genetic improvement. 

23:30 What are the key focuses for genetics at large?

25:22 How much of an issue is it that decisions of beef genetics are being made by dairy farmers? 

26:35 Peter's perfect cow - what would the guests' perfect cow look like?

29:18 Advice to farmers from Mike and Jim. 

30:30 Showstoppers

32:46 Peter rounds up the episode.