Mating programmes
The world’s largest and most successful mating programme, available free of charge to all our clients.
Herd mating selection
Dairy farming is developing so rapidly that farmers face a growing number of challenges: keeping up with technology, managing labour, meeting environmental requirements and much more. When decisions become complicated, a mating programme simplifies the choice of genetics — decisions that shape the herd for years to come. Mating selection helps make breeding one area in which farmers can rely on a clear plan.
Main goal
Breed better cows
Mating selection is vital to the future of the herd because it aims to identify the right bull for each mating. Better cows live longer, stay healthier and produce more milk — helping you earn more.
Chromosomal Mating™
All mating approaches are scientifically based and work together to give farmers the best opportunity to achieve their goals. Progress can be tracked across generations to build a long-lived, productive herd.
- Linear mating
- Pedigree-based mating
- Genomic mating
Linear mating uses an application developed by STgenetics® engineers to evaluate animals and use current data to optimise matings for the desired animal type.
Over the years, STgenetics® scientists have built a comprehensive database containing pedigrees and genomic evaluations for a large number of animals. Pedigree-based mating uses this database to estimate offspring performance from parental averages.
To make full use of a herd’s genetic potential, STgenetics® has included genomic mating in its new mating programme. Chromosomal Mating™ is designed to optimise the use of the best genes and their transmission to the next generation.
Additional factors considered
WMS mating programme
Dairy farming is developing so rapidly that farmers face a growing number of challenges: keeping up with technology, managing labour, meeting environmental requirements and much more. When decisions become complicated, a mating programme simplifies the choice of genetics — decisions that shape the herd for years to come. Mating selection helps make breeding one area in which farmers can rely on a clear plan.
The WMS — World Wide Mating Service — programme is available to users of World Wide Sires genetics.
Developed by the Select Sires farmer cooperative, WMS aims to improve herd profitability.
In 2013, the programme was used for 7 million cows in more than 50 countries.
WMS mating selection improves control over inbreeding and recessive genes. Inbreeding is known to reduce cow productivity, impair animal health and increase the risk of inheriting recessive conditions such as CVM (complex vertebral malformation) and BLAD (bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency).
Mating selection is vital to the herd’s future because it aims to identify the right bull for each mating. Its main goal is to BREED BETTER COWS. Better cows live longer, stay healthier and produce more milk — helping you earn more!
