Description
The conversion to organic farming has given Cord von Runnen a number of new challenges and conditions. Herd typing is a valuable instrument for him to adapt the herd to his new conditions. The herd typing allows an individual mating with an automatic adjustment advice for his breeding index. This means that we are able to make site-specific mating if we highlight the right characteristics for e. g. grazing cows. This could have a significant advantage over crossbreeding in the breeding line.
All animals are genomically tested and stored in a digital management system. He sets specific breeding goals for his individual challenges and circumstances and thus creates his own breeding index (ecological). The genomically tested animals are divided into categories with the help of its breeding index and later proposals for mating are made automatically. The main task is therefore to determine the breeding objectives, which can certainly vary but provide enormous potential for the specific use of cow genetics.
Farm description
Environment
- Farm type: Organic farm
- Soil type: Clay soil
- Climate: Temperate oceanic climate
Grassland management
- Grazing: Yes
- Grazing management type: rotational grazing
Structure
- Agricultural Area : 80 ha
- Permanent grassland area: 60 ha
- Number of animals: 100 dairy cows
- Average stocking rates:
- Agricultural area 1.75 LU/ha
- Grassland area 1.75 LU/ha
Animal performance
- Breed type 1: HF
Why it is working
A farmer cannot change the location, but his cow genetics can be changed or adapted to the location. Many farmers only use cow genetics with the highest performance and no longer pay attention to other breeding goals. With the help of herd typing and advice, a suitable breeding index can be created for the individual farm and some challenges with regard to feeding, hornlessness, cell content or basic feed performance can be counteracted.
