New Study Highlights Productivity Gains for Dairy Herds

A newly published study from Zoetis and Dairy Management Inc. provides evidence that genetic selection using the Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP$) can deliver measurable productivity gains for dairy farms. DWP$ is a multi-trait selection index that incorporates wellness, fertility, production and longevity traits to estimate the lifetime profitability of Holstein and Jersey cattle. By integrating DWP$ into breeding and culling strategies, dairy farms can improve herd health, longevity and reduce methane intensity. The peer-reviewed research was published in the Journal of Dairy Science.