From 20 June 2025, NZ Animal Evaluation (NZAEL) will update the genetic base cow from a 2005 to a 2015 animal, aligning with international best practice.
This new 2015 base is based on the average genetic merit of 100,000 well-recorded cows born that year. Their Breeding Worth (BW) and Breeding Values (BVs) are set at zero, establishing a new reference point for ranking all other animals.
As a result, BW figures will drop by around $185 on average, due to the difference in genetic merit between the 2005 and 2015 genetic base cows. The rankings of bulls will remain largely unchanged, as the reduction is consistent across animals.
Importantly, this shift does not reflect any drop in animal quality or productivity; but shows that today’s cows are genetically superior to those from 2005.
Practical tips
- Check which genetic base your bull information is using when discussing genetic merit. For example, catalogues already in-market may have values based on the 2005 base cow so will be out of alignment when the 2015 base cow comes into effect on 20 June 2025.
- After 20 June 2025, the bull data on the LIC website will be updated to reflect the new base cow.
- Detailed information on the genetic base cow and the reference point update is available on the DairyNZ website.
- Contact your LIC consultant if you have any questions regarding the updated breeding values.
